Lightning sparks fire at McKelvie National Forest
The Civil Air Patrol is monitoring for hot spots after lightning sparked a fire at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest earlier this week.
By News Channel Nebraska
VALENTINE, Neb. — The Civil Air Patrol is monitoring for hot spots after lightning sparked a fire at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest earlier this week, Cherry County Emergency Manager Jessica Coyle told county commissioners Tuesday.
In addition to watching for flare-ups, the Civil Air Patrol is also assessing storm damage from Sunday night. Coyle said she planned to join National Weather Service officials Tuesday to help survey the area.
“I’m thinking it could be a long spring and summer at this rate,” she told commissioners.
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest spans 116,079 acres, all within Cherry County.
As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, tornadoes, hail, and strong winds tore through the Sandhills Sunday night, leaving a trail of damage behind.