Bovee Fire now 30 percent containment, cause determined
HALSEY, Neb. -- As of Tuesday, authorities said that the Bovee Fire has been 30 percent contained.
Officials said at 6 p.m. Monday night, Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management (CIM) Team 1 has assumed management responsibility for the Bovee Fire.
The Bovee Fire was reported to be about 15,000 acres and is now 30 percent contained. The fire has been determined to be human caused and is under investigation.
It was also reported that all evacuations have been lifted and Highway 2 is still open at this time.
It is asked that those driving in the area drive with caution because of possible heavy fire traffic and smoke in the area.
Authorities at the fire said that Monday's cooler, less windy weather and light rainfall helped firefighters in the suppression efforts.
It was reported that dozers, engines, and hand crews made good progress on fireline construction on the northern and eastern flanks of the fire, and work began on the western side. Authorities said this will be the work continued through Tuesday, with a night shift being in place to patrol and ensure that structures and firelines are secure.
Officials said with larger and more complex fires, they divide the fire into Divisions for better management and safer operations. The Divisions for the Bovee Fire are shown on the map.
Authorities said to note that the letters for each division aren't sequential so new divisions may be added if the fire grows. They have the Bovee Fire separated into three Divisions - A, Z, and L.
The NENBF break down of the Divisions are:
Division A: The western side of the fire south of Highway 2 is mainly on National Forest lands. Tuesday, two hotshot crews, dozers, and engines will continue building direct fireline as they work towards containment of this portion of the fire perimeter. Officials will use meadows and other natural fire breaks to the extent possible to speed their progress.
Division Z: The eastern side of the fire south of Highway 2 is also primarily on National Forest lands. Dozers will continue to build direct fireline working south from the river break where conditions allow. Engines will be used as additional support.
Division L: This portion of the fire is north of Highway 2 in mostly grassland fuels. Volunteer Fire Departments have been working hard to contain this area. Tuesday, the area is mostly in mop up and patrol status, but 5 engines will also work on areas of heat remaining in woody draws on the north end of the fire.