A wildfire that has burned about 4,000 acres has threatened farmstead, ranches, and agriculture properties in western Nebraska.
The fire, dubbed the Hubbard Gap Fire, is burning in the Wildcat Hills south of McGrew, Nebraska. McGrew is about 18 miles southeast of Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Air support from Nebraska and South Dakota have dropped retardant to stop the spread of the fire, according to a press release from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. Two Nebraska Army National Guard helicopters and 11 soldiers are on their way to continue air support.
About 25 volunteer fire departments staged in a field south of McGrew to fight the fire. Six firefighters were injured. Two of the six were hospitalized overnight.
Banner County commissioners declared a local emergency and Gov. Pete Ricketts approved a state emergency declaration, which allows state funds to be used to fight the fire.
Meanwhile, officials with the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands are urging visitors to help prevent wildfires ahead of the Labor Day holiday. Fire danger in the forest is rated as very high, officials said.
The forest has had a total of 11 fires this year. Four were caused by humans, and seven were caused by lightning.
Visitors should be aware of fire restriction and know that target shooting and the use of power equipment can spark a wildfire. If having a campfire, keep it small and never leave it unattended. Put it out completely before leaving. Fireworks and exploding targets are not allowed on national forest system lands.
