Feb 27, 2024

Officials say crews are still battling the Betty Way fire that began yesterday morning

Posted Feb 27, 2024 5:07 PM
Grass fire northeast of North Platte. (Photo taken from Canon Rath/North Platte Post)
Grass fire northeast of North Platte. (Photo taken from Canon Rath/North Platte Post)

North Platte Post

NORTH PLATTE - Fire crews are still battling the grass fire that began yesterday around 10:30am on Betty Way, just northeast of North Platte. With the region being in a red flag warning and windy conditions up to 40 mph, the fire quickly spread out east forcing evacuations along the way.

According to officials with Region 51 Management, The Betty's Way Fire is still ongoing. Crews are on the ground. For your safety, and the safety of the crews fighting this, we ask that you continue to avoid the area.

Multiple agencies from around the state have responded to help battle the blaze. The POST has confirmed that one home north of Maxwell was lost in the fire. 

Lincoln County and Custer County officials declared emergencies and requested state assistance last night due to the grass fire. According to a release from Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Two National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters will be deployed to the fire and will begin dropping water on the fire today. 

Multiple fires broke out in the region yesterday as one between Grant and Imperial was put out around noon. Later in the day, another grass fire broke out near Stapleton and forced evacuations as the fire spread. 

This is a developing story and will update when more information becomes available.