Federal, state and local fire crews are on the scene of a northern Panhandle wildfire that consumed about 415 acres of grass and timber as of 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
According to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the Bronco Fire about 11 miles northwest of Crawford started with lightning around noon Wednesday, and was initially reported at 25 acres.
The fire started on private property, burned onto the Oglala National Grassland and into rough terrain. Dozer lines are partially in place, however, most areas are accessible only on foot, and aerial assets have been called in to assist.
The public is asked to avoid travel on roads in the vicinity of the fire for their own safety and
the safety of firefighters, with no unnecessary travel on Milo, Sand Creek and Cottonwood
Roads.
The fire is managed under a unified command between Crawford Volunteer Fire Department and
the US Forest Service.
