As of 4:00 pm CST on February 27th, the Betty’s Way Fire in Lincoln and Custer Counties is 71,022 acres. Fire managers are continuously assessing the work performed and updating the containment. Containment on the fire is estimated to be 72%. One primary residence was destroyed, one primary residence was damaged, and numerous outbuildings have been destroyed. Currently, there are no evacuation orders in place. We are working with ranchers, farmers and residents to address any unmet needs. Fire managers are actively working with the American Red Cross and various state agencies to aid those affected by the Betty’s Way Fire. If you were impacted by the fire, please contact:
- United States Department of Agriculture- 308-534-2360
- Natural Resources Conservation Services- 308-535-8080
- Salvation Army- 308-532-2038
- American Red Cross- 1-833-583-3111
Donations can be directed to the local Salvation Army.
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Agency has determined the fire was human caused, resulting from mowing operations.
For questions or information please contact Betty’s Way Incident Command Post and Region 51 Emergency Management at 308-520-7230 or [email protected].
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
Update on the Betty's Way Fire
As of February 27th, Betty's Way Fire is 71,022 acres. Fire managers are currently working on assessing the work performed through the past 24 hours and should expect some containment issued later in the day. Two primary residences and numerous outbuildings have been destroyed. We are currently working with ranchers, farmers and residents to address any needs they have.
Fire managers are actively working with the American Red Cross and various state agencies to provide assistance to those affected by the Betty's Way Fire.
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Agency has determined that the fire was human caused, resulting from mowing operations.
On February 26th, 2024, at 10:32 am, the North Platte 911 center received a phone call reporting of a wildfire from a resident on Betty's Way, approximately 8.6 miles northeast of North Platte.
North Platte Fire Department responded with 3 stations and arrived on scene within 12 minutes. Fire managers established immediate suppression tactics and named the fire the Betty's Way Fire. North Platte requested mutual aid through the Mid-Plains Mutual Aid District, comprising 15 area volunteer fire departments.
Due to the red flag warning and wind speeds over 40 mph, the fire grew rapidly east. Evacuations were issued for areas ahead of the fire. As of today, no injuries were reported. Additional requests were made to the state of Nebraska and Governor Jim Pillen declared an emergency disaster. This provides the addition support from the Nebraska Emergency Mangement Agency, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska State Fire Marshal and cooperating agencies across the state. Governor Pillen activated the Nebraska Incident Management Team to support the local fire managers on scene.
Region 51 Emergency Management ordered additional support from many Nebraska Fire Departments, Nebraska IMT began operations on Tuesday, February 27th at 6:00am to assist in managing additional resources throughout the state. The Nebraska National Guard and Nebraska State Patrol are assisting with aerial support and drone needs.