Wildfire forces immediate evacuation order for Farnam residents

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – An immediate evacuation order has been issued for residents of Farnam Thursday night as a fast-moving wildfire threatens the area.

Four active fires can be seen from satellite imagery as “hot spots” showing up in orange below.

According to the Dawson County Emergency Management Agency, the evacuation request was relayed through the National Weather Service office in Hastings shortly after 9 p.m.

Officials say a wildfire burning in southwest Dawson County is expected to shift direction due to changing winds before 10 p.m., potentially pushing the fire south toward the town of Farnam.

Emergency officials are urging all residents in Farnam to evacuate immediately and travel east to Eustis to seek shelter. Frontier County officials will assist evacuees upon arrival.

A Nebraska 511 camera in the area along Highway 47, south of Gothenburg shows a bright scene – but it’s not daytime. The camera is being lit up by the light of the wildfire burning nearby.

Authorities say the evacuation is being ordered out of an abundance of caution as weather conditions could quickly change the fire’s path.

Residents are encouraged to leave the area as quickly and safely as possible, bringing essential items and following directions from emergency personnel.

Officials continue to monitor the wildfire and say additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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