Lightning sparks grass fire near Mullen

MULLEN, Neb. - Firefighters from several different departments battled a grass fire along Highway 2 west of Mullen on Wednesday.  According to Mullen Fire Chief Tyler Cash, the fire, which was caused by lightning, burned around 1500 acres.

“It got fairly close to the railroad tracks and highway,” said Cash.

Crews were called out around 4:30 p.m. and worked for nearly four hours to get the flames under control.

“We’re thankful for all of the responding departments, volunteers and ranchers who responded quickly,” said Cash.

In addition to the Mullen Fire Department, firefighters from Hyannis, Sandhills Fire Protection District, Thedford, Stapleton, Tryon, Arthur and Heart of the Hills responded.

This fire is one of several reported in the region over the past week, including others near Johnstown and at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.