Courtesy Photo from Cyd Janssen Some of the damage

Courtesy Photo from Cyd Janssen Another view

Courtesy Photo­Image Cattle rest at the edge of burn

The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands fire near Halsey is approximately 20 percent contained after burning approximately 1,000 acres, spokeswoman Cyd Janssen said Sunday night.

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The fire began about 1 p.m. Saturday and quickly spread. Volunteer firefighters, some of which were helping fight pasture fires elsewhere, came to help.

On Sunday, crews at the forest reinforced fire lines and helped secure the perimeter with new fire lines, Janssen said, as the temperature reached 97 degrees and the relative humidity reached 22 percent.

New engines and fire crews arrived. By evening, there were 10 fire engines on hand, along with two skidsteer loaders and an experienced hand crew. All volunteer fire departments were able to leave, except for one water tender, Janssen said.

Smoke is clearing but continues to be visible from Nebraska Highway 2, especially in the Halsey and Dunning area.

Conditions will be similar Monday, Janssen said, with temperatures forecast to reach 100 degrees, relative humidity 23 percent and winds out of the south at approximately 5 miles per hour with gusts up to 15.

The main camping complex at the forest remains open. Closed areas include the Whitetail and Natick campgrounds and all ATV trails.

Officials continue to request folks avoid the area; but if required, to use caution and watch for fire vehicles. Activities at the 4-H Camp will continue as scheduled, Janssen said.

“We never could have developed the fire perimeter, or reached any level of containment without the valuable help of our volunteer fire departments,” said Tim Buskirk, Bessey District Ranger.

Volunteer departments came from Brewster, Halsey, Thedford, Mullen, Anselmo, Merna, Purdum and Dunning. The Thomas and Blaine County Sheriff Department, Nebraska Fire Marshal’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol have also been helping.

“We also appreciate the help from the Pine Ridge Job Corps Soldier Creek hand crew,” Buskirk said.

During the July 4th weekend, the Forest Service reminds folks that it is against Forest Service regulations to shoot fireworks within the Forest.