Wildfire burns 4,100 acres, including part of Nebraska National Forest

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A wildfire has burned 4,100 acres in central Nebraska.  This includes a part of the Nebraska National Forest.

Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands posted an update on the 201 East Fire on Thursday.

The fire, which started on Tuesday, has burned parts of a national forest near Halsey in central Nebraska.

As of noon Wednesday, there were only around 115 acres burned.  A forest ranger reported around 4,100 acres burned at 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Crews worked overnight to contain the fire.  They have since ordered helicopters to help in battling the wildfire.

Red flag warnings for hot weather and strong winds were issued in the area for Thursday and Friday.

Multiple crews are now stationed on the east side of the wildfire, waiting for the blaze to reach them.

The Bessey Ranger District of the national forest is currently closed due to the wildfires.

A forest ranger said she is hopeful that weekend rains will help contain the wildfire.