LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) — Evacuation orders have been lifted for residents in southwest Lancaster County after several grass fires broke out across the area Thursday.
Firefighters responded to two grass fires just northwest and southwest of Denton and another fire east of Crete around 1:50 p.m. Crews also worked to contain several additional grass fires that ignited throughout the county during the afternoon.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said at 5:50 p.m. that a few grass fires were still popping up in the county, but most had been contained.
Crews were working in the following areas:
SW 100th and W Martell
NW 140th and W Adams — contained
SW 140th and W Rokeby — contained
Authorities said another fire near SW 112th and W Pioneers was contained around 2:20 p.m., and the evacuation order for residents in that area has since been lifted.
An evacuation order for residents near SW 100th and Wittstruck and SW 84th and Wittstruck was also lifted just before 6 p.m. Officials said the fire there is contained, though crews remain in the area.
Residents are asked to avoid the affected areas and follow instructions from firefighters and law enforcement if evacuation orders are issued. Officials said keeping roads clear is important so fire crews can safely reach and fight the fires.
This remains a developing story.
Grass fire in Gage County
A separate grass fire in Gage County also prompted road closures Thursday. Authorities shut down Highway 77 in both directions between West Hickory Road and West Pickrell Road due to the fire. The highway reopened around 4:16 p.m.
The Gage County Sheriff’s Office said firefighters were battling the blaze while dealing with strong winds and heavy smoke.
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