Firefighters are battling to control a large wildfire that originated from a prescribed burn in the Ainsworth area near the village of Johnstown. The Nebraska Forest Service reported that the Plum Creek Fire rages through steep canyons and timber between Valentine and Ainsworth.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire had scorched an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 acres and was 30% contained. However, by Tuesday night, containment efforts had regressed to 0% as the fire crested the south hill above Plum Creek.
Crews are working to establish a fire line and a dozer line on the north end in anticipation of 15 to 20 mile per hour winds and 70-degree temperatures expected on Wednesday. The number of crews fighting the fire increased from 12 to at least 23 on Tuesday, with two planes conducting water drops throughout the afternoon. Additionally, two Blackhawk helicopters are expected to join the firefighting efforts on Wednesday.
