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(Neb.)-Crews Continue Fighting Cottonwood Fire

By: Chris Fankhauser Posted at: 06/18/2012 08:34 AM

(Harrison)-At least nine different fire departments and the State Fire Marshall’s Office have combined forces to attack the Cottonwood Fire burning northeast of Harrison. It is suspected that lightning from Friday night’s storms sparked the fire, which was first reported around 7:30 Sunday morning.

According to Harrison Fire Chief J.W. Geiser, the crews received a briefing this morning and were preparing to aggressively fight the blaze. Geiser said that firelines held very well overnight, and some of those lines were able to be strengthened. However, the east side of the fire is still very vulnerable, and Geiser stated crews are going to hit that area the hardest.

The estimated acreage burned remains between 1,500 and 2,000, as Geiser said they haven’t had a chance to get out with GPS to get a more accurate figure. A helicopter will be coming from Lincoln today to provide air support, and although it was initially thought a Type 3 Team would be brought in, Geiser believes at this time the local crews can handle this.

Officials are continuing to ask that people stay off of the roads near the fire if they can to allow fire crews access. As of yet, Cottonwood Road is the only official road closure, but Geiser said it is possible that East Hat Road will close as well. The fire has not burned any structures and is remaining in the timber.

(Questions? Comments? Email chris@chadrad.com)

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