Area fires 10 percent contained

The two fires near Chadron State College are 10 percent contained, according to officials from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

More than 68,689 acres have burned between the two fires, Jodie Fawl, NEMA public information officer, stated Thursday evening.

The two blazes, designated as the West Ash and Douthit fires, began Aug. 28 due to lightning.

“Fire fighters are working through the night preparing areas of the fire likely to be affected by potential high winds over the next several days,” Fawl stated.

As of 9:10 p.m., the fire had not crossed U.S. Highway 385. The highway is currently open to one-lane traffic as guided by a pilot vehicle from mile marker 160-67.

Crawford hosted a community meeting at 7:30 in its community center, where local municipalities, government officials, and fire departments discussed current conditions, evacuations, and road closures.

Visit www.511.nebraska.gov for updated road conditions.