Evacuation alert lifted for Newport, NE

NEWPORT, Neb. - The evacuation alert for residents of Newport, Nebraska has been lifted. As News Channel Nebraska reported Monday, Rock County Sheriff Ben Shelbourn called for a Level 1 evacuation alert due to a nearby fire. A Level 1 alert means that it would be wise to consider planning and/or packing, in the event an evacuation becomes necessary.

While the alert has been lifted, crews remain on the scene, working toward full containment, according to the Brown/Rock Emergency Agency (BREMA).

Multiple fire departments from Rock, Holt, Keya Paha, and Brown counties responded, along with support from a single-engine air tanker (SEAT plane).

“As Red Flag conditions continue, please use caution outdoors. There appears to be not much drought relief in the near future,” BREMA wrote in a Facebook post, thanking all the crews for their quick and skilled response.