LODGEPOLE, Neb. — Firefighters battled a large hay bale fire in southern Garden County on Wednesday that destroyed approximately 800 bales north of Lodgepole.

The blaze broke out at 4475 County Road 151, prompting a response from the Lodgepole Volunteer Fire Department. Crews were able to control the fire. The cause has not been released.

No injuries have been reported.

The fire comes amid ongoing dry and breezy conditions across western Nebraska. The National Weather Service says elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions are possible again Friday afternoon across the western Sandhills and southwest Nebraska.

Forecasters are also monitoring a weekend storm system that could bring rain and wet snow to the region Saturday. Snow totals and impacts remain uncertain.

Authorities are advising residents to not do any outdoor burning or spark-producing activities during dry and windy weather.