Grass fire near Broken Bow burns 2,800 acres, 35% contained

BROKEN BOW, Neb. (KNOP) - Fire crews remain on the scene of a grass fire northeast of Broken Bow that has burned about 2,800 acres.

Custer County Emergency Management reported the fire began around 3:38 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of Gates County Road and Round Valley Road.

As of Friday afternoon, the fire was 35% contained, according to Custer County Emergency Manager Mark Rempe. The blaze, which started in a ditch, has been deemed accidental.

One person was killed Thursday while helping neighbors evacuate. According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Chase Christen, 40, died when his UTV rolled down an embankment on private property near the Adams Land and Cattle East Lot, ejecting him.

Three uninhabited structures were lost in the fire.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office said roads in the area are open. However, drivers are asked to avoid the affected area as crews continue with mop up efforts.