Fairfield Creek Fire chars 50,000 acres, 10 structures; no containment
Courtesy Ainsworth Star Journal
The Rocky Mountain Incident Management team has assumed control of the Fairfield Creek fire in north central Nebraska, and has revised damage numbers.
The fire has charred approximately 50,000 acres, according to a infrared mapped flight conducted around 6 a.m. this morning. While the acreage burned has been decreased, so has the containment, as officials now say the fire has zero containment at this time.
The fire has destroyed ten structures and associated outbuildings, and three minor injuries have been reported. An additional 70 structures and outbuildings are being threatened by the fire at this time.
Active burning was observed on the east and west flanks of the fire. Crews were able to burn pockets of fuel on the north and east corner to reinforce dozer lines, but dry, hot, and windy weather is expected today.
"Coordination and good communications will be the key to a successful day," said Incident Commander Mark Hatcher.
Highway 12 remains closed in the area, and motorists are asked to find alternate travel routes. The Niobrara River is closed for recreational use between the county line and Brewer bridges.
The fire was caused by lightning Friday morning. Three type-one National Guard Black Hawk helicopters and one type-two aircraft is assisting the 30 engineers, and 150 personnel fighting the blaze.
© 2013 Rural Radio Network. All rights reserved. Republishing, rebroadcasting, rewriting, redistributing prohibited. Copyright Information
