Wildfire burning at Nebraska National Forest near Halsey

HALSEY - Several agencies and fire departments are on scene battling a wildfire at the Nebraska National Forest Near Halsey.

District Ranger Julie Bain said five fires were started in the forest by lightning strikes at around 9 p.m. Monday. Crews were able to put out the fires. However, two of the fires re-ignited this afternoon. One is now under control, the other is still burning.

So far, the fires have destroyed between 15 to 50 acres. The Whitetail Campground and the ATV trails are closed.

Structures or private property are not at risk at this time.

Bain said although the area recently received 3 inches of rain, it hasn’t been enough to recover from the ongoing dry conditions.

Forest officials the smell of smoke could make its way into the are. They plan to have a debrief at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.