SIDNEY — Firefighters quickly contained a grass fire Monday afternoon near the City of Sidney’s water towers on the north side of town, despite gusty winds that fueled flames across the bluff.

Sidney Volunteer Fire Chief Matt Butts said he reported the fire around 1:01 p.m. after noticing smoke while returning from the department’s training facility while traveling on Elm Street. The fire was located near the city’s backup water tower at 10th Avenue and Elm Street.

Sustained winds of 23 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, challenged firefighters as they worked to contain the blaze. Crews held the fire to roughly a quarter of an acre.

The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical issue near the tower. Two homes below the bluff were evacuated as a precaution. No one was home at one of the residences, and no injuries were reported.

Damage was limited to grass, trees and electrical equipment. City officials said the fire did not affect Sidney’s water system.

Responding agencies included the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department, the City of Sidney Electrical and Water Departments, and Region 21 Emergency Management.