ROSCOE - A grass fire north of Roscoe burned approximately 10 acres of land and threatened a structure in the area on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department, the structure wasn't damaged and no injuries were reported. The department said the windy conditions were not favorable and fuels were prime to burn. 

A local farmer assisted the Ogallala, Keystone-Lemoyne, Paxton, Brule and Big Springs Fire Departments with a disc and several area residents helped with hand tools to help slow the progress of the blaze. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Ogallala Fire Department is warning the fire season is setting out to be very active. They thank area citizens for their continued support of the area agencies. The advise to be careful in the wild land areas with any potential ignition sources.

Wildfires a top concern for NEMA

BY: KNOP-TV

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - While tornadoes, damaging winds, lightning and hail are common during this time of year, wildfires are a top concern for Nebraska’s Emergency Management Agency.

At least three wildfires ignited in our area last week in the span of just five days. NEMA officials say despite this week’s precipitation, many parts of the state are still under a severe drought.

In fact, this year is the fourth driest winter season on record for Nebraska. It’s also on pace to beating 2012′s active wildfire season.

“There have been a number of wildfires in recent weeks and recent months that have literally been sparked from a controlled burn or a prescribed burn that was permitted and known and fully legal, but the weather conditions are such that a couple of days later whatever the case may be it all just comes together in just the perfect way for it to re-spark and get out of hand quickly,” said Chris Schroeder NEMA Community Outreach Unit Supervisor.”

Schroeder says the best ways to prevent wildfires is awareness and know what areas are at high risk for wildfires.

“That’s part of the reason why we recognize severe weather awareness week the way that we do,”Schroeder said. “If individuals and families around the state are able to understand what sort of events are common in their community and what they can do ahead of time to prepare and educate themselves, have a plan, make a kit, there is less uncertainty about what to do immediately when those sorts of things happen.”