POTTER, Neb. — Firefighters from the Potter Volunteer Fire Department quickly extinguished two grass fires Monday afternoon along Highway 30 east of Potter.

According to the department, the fires were reported at approximately 3:48 p.m. about one mile east of town. The two fires were located less than a quarter mile apart on the highway right of way and were reported by engineering personnel on a Union Pacific train passing through the area.

Four fire units responded with 11 firefighters. Crews were able to bring both fires under control quickly, limiting their spread.

Each fire burned an estimated one acre. Fire officials said the flames extended roughly the length of a football field along the highway and stretched across the width of the roadside ditch, approximately 50 feet.

The cause of the fires remains unknown. No injuries were reported, and no structures were threatened.

Fire officials credited the fast response and coordinated effort of volunteers for preventing further damage, especially given dry conditions along the roadway.