Fire danger high in Western Nebraska

On Thursday, the wildland fire danger level in Cheyenne County – and all of its neighboring counties – was “extreme,” according to the Nebraska Forest Service.

Throughout the week, the potential for wildland fires in Western Nebraska has remained elevated.

Don Westover, rural fire protection program leader for the state forest service, said the rating takes into account the ignitability of fuel – which is often grass, in this region – and weather.

“As we know, Nebraska is a windy state,” he said. “And once ignited, that fire is going to take off. So ‘very high’ or ‘e...