NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Investigators have determined that a series of vegetation fires reported over the past week in southwest North Platte and south of the city were caused by a mechanical issue on a vehicle and were not intentionally set.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the first two fires were reported on July 16 and July 17. Both were small ditch fires on the southwest side of North Platte and were quickly extinguished.
On July 22, two additional fires were reported. One occurred near the Wild West Arena, while the second broke out south of North Platte near Highway 83, growing into a large vegetation fire that prompted evacuations and a significant response from multiple fire departments. One outbuilding was destroyed, another was damaged, and firefighters remained on scene overnight monitoring hot spots after the fire was contained. No injuries were reported.
Following the fires, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office partnered with investigators from the North Platte Police Department, the North Platte Fire Marshal's Office, and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office to determine the cause.
Investigators identified a vehicle that was in the area during each of the four fires. Authorities interviewed the vehicle's owner and a local mechanic who had worked on the vehicle the same day. The vehicle was also examined as part of the investigation, and investigators said the physical evidence supported the information gathered during those interviews.
At the conclusion of the investigation, all participating agencies determined the four fires were caused by a mechanical issue with the vehicle and were not the result of an intentional act.
The Sheriff's Office said the investigation is now complete, bringing an end to concerns that the fires may have been deliberately set.