Jan 15, 2021

Update: Nebraska town evacuated due to large wildfire

Posted Jan 15, 2021 12:05 PM

DUNDY COUNTY, NE —Emergency management officials gave  the all clear for residents to return home just after 7:15 a.m. Thursday and lifted the evacuation recommendations for Benkelman, according to the Dundy County Sheriff's Department.

A large fire on the northwestern side of Benkelman prompted an evacuation order early Thursday morning. The community of one thousand is located 50 miles north of Goodland.

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DUNDY COUNTY, NE—Authorities are fighting a large fire on the northwestern side of Benkelman, Nebraska. The community of one thousand is located 50 miles north of Goodland.

Mutual aid has been put into effect and several agencies have responded to control the fire, according to the Dundy County Sheriff's Department early Friday.

Residences near the western side of Benkelman are being asked to safely gather important belongings and evacuate to a safe location west of Benkelman.

The sheriff's department asked drivers to stay off the highway at the northern intersection of Highway 34/61.  Emergency vehicles are heavily using these roadways, and portions of the fire have centered around that area.

The Legion hall in Haigler is opening as a safe location for evacuees, according to the sheriff's department.