Brush fire forces evacuation at Lake Waconda

MURRAY - A brush fire forced an evacuation of the Lake Waconda area on Saturday and early Easter Sunday.

Fire departments from the entire region responded Saturday night to the brush fire and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office called out extra deputies and specialized equipment to assist in the situation.

A sheriff’s office press release warned of fire danger for anyone entering the area and asked citizens to avoid the area.

At 3 a.m. Sunday, crews were still fighting the fire on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River southwest of Lake Waconda.

Fire ground command had summoned earth moving equipment and additional resources for assistance.

Residents who were evacuated Saturday evening were returning to their homes Sunday and there was no structural damage reported.

By Sunday afternoon, ground command had requested aerial fire suppression.