Firefighters have made progress toward containing the Buffalo Creek Fire in Banner and Scotts Bluff counties. The fire, which started midday on Sunday, Nov. 14, has burned 2,560 acres, as of 1:30 p.m. (CST) today, and is 40% contained.

Local and state agencies are assisting with suppression efforts, including drone operations by the Nebraska State Patrol to identify hotspots. The Nebraska National Guard sent three helicopters and nine crew members to work on aerial suppression.

Twenty-seven fire departments have supplied resources, with firefighters working 16-hour shifts to create a contained perimeter around the fire.

The top priority for the response has been safety for the public and firefighters. The fire is east of the Wildcat Hills Estates on Highway 71 and west of the feedlot. The fire currently does not pose any threat to the estates.

Air temperatures will be cool enough tomorrow to increase the effectiveness of aerial suppression. A colder weather pattern is expected to move into the region tonight, but it’s not anticipated to have a negative impact on operations or containment