Multiple fire departments take on multiple blazes Monday, Fairbury issues burn ban

Dry conditions are keeping firefighters in southeast Nebraska on their toes.

Monday afternoon multiple fire departments battled grass fires in Jefferson County near Steele City and Endicott.

Jefferson County Emergency Manager John Mckee says there were multiple fires going at the same time Monday afternoon and into the evening. He told NCN his office assisted firefighters by flying drones to identify hot spots. The fire he was at — along Highway 8 near Endicott — reached a heavily wooded area and was near homes.

At least four departments responded to the blazes, including Fairbury, Diller, Steele City and Endicott.

Details on sizes and causes or if there was any damage have yet to come in, but our reporter saw some fire crews still in the area at 8 o'clock Monday night.

As a result, Fairbury's fire chief issued a total burn ban until the area receives a good rain.

In a social media post Monday night, the Fairbury Rural Fire Department says no burn permits will be given out or allowed to be activated until the area receives a "significant moisture event." Violaters will be issued a citation. 

The ban goes into effect immediately.