Emergency declared in two Nebraska counties due to large wildfire

An emergency has been declared in Custer and Lincoln counties due to a large wildfire.

According to a release from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency on Monday evening, local officials declared the emergency and requested state assistance. Multiple evacuations were ordered throughout the day and numerous roads remain closed in the counties.

The fire originated north of North Platte, according to the release, and is burning on private lands.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has approved the request to declare a state disaster which allows additional funds to assist in fighting the fire.

Numerous volunteer fire departments, the Nebraska Incident Management Team, and members of the state’s Wildland Incident Response Assistant Team are all involved in fighting the wildfire.

Starting on Tuesday, two National Guard helicopters will be deployed to drop water on the fire.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

On Monday afternoon, the Nebraska State Patrol posted on social media it continues to help with evacuations from impacted areas.

This is a developing situation and more information will be released when it becomes available.