Crews working to contain escaped fire west of Johnstown

A prescribed fire taking place west of Johnstown in Brown County escaped containment on Monday, April 21, and has since burned an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 acres.

The fire, which began on private land approximately 4 miles west and 1 mile north of Johnstown, was part of a planned burn. This burn was carried out with help from several partners, including Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff, volunteer fire departments, and others, spread beyond its intended area and is now being actively fought. Flare-ups were reported Tuesday, when the fire was reported to be 30% contained.

Crews are fighting this escaped fire in difficult terrain with heavy unburned fuel loads, adding to the difficulty in containment. Everyone is urged to stay away from the area to allow crews to work toward full containment.

Updates on the fire and containment efforts will be provided as more information becomes available.