Custer County - Multiple grass fires broke out Monday afternoon in Custer County and two firefighters were injured while enroute to one of the grass fires.
According to Custer County Emergency Management (CCEM), eight fires were reported, however four of the fires merged into two larger incidents with one being extinguished. Four aircraft were called in to help with the fires.
Fire crews from all over Custer County and neighboring counties have come together to battle these grass fires. The Custer County fire crews, who have been hard at work all day Monday were given the night off as neighboring fire departments stayed on scene and maintained the fires.
Over 6,000 acres have burned during Monday's grass fires as of Monday evening's report. Several homes are under threat as firefighters contend with challenging conditions created by melting snow and muddy terrain due to the warmer temperatures melting snow from last week's snowstorm.
The CCEM also stated in a post that two firefighters were injured while enroute to Lillian Road fire. The truck the two firefighters were inside rolled into a canyon. One firefighter was transported by Broken Bow Ambulance Service to the hospital. The second firefighter was transported by LifeNet North Platte to a regional trauma facility.
While crews are on scene working the fires, it is to be asked for the public to stay away from the affected area during this time for the safety of the first responders as well as the public. Traffic can cause slow response time and may cause issues.