Ref.no.: WF-20120722-35876-USA

Situation Update No. 1
On 2012-07-22

Event: Forest / Wild Fire
Location: USA State of Nebraska Norden and Springview


Firefighters continue battling a wildfire in the rural Niobrara River valley in north-central Nebraska that has already burned 100,000 acres. Officials evacuated all residents of the Niobrara Valley from the Norden Bridge east to Highway 183. Regional Emergency Manager Doug Fox told KBRB radio that firefighters lost control of the fire Saturday because it was burning so fast. The only injuries connected to the fire so far have been firefighters hurt while digging fire suppression lines. But several buildings and homes in the small town of Norden were destroyed on Friday. Gov. Dave Heineman sent two additional helicopters to help fight the fire so three helicopters are now available. Heineman says he's impressed with the way residents have responded, and the Nebraska National Guard will continue sending resources to help.