By Chadron Volunteer Fire Department
A fire was reported last night around 9 pm, 12 miles south of Chadron due to lightning.
Crews worked hard overnight to get control of the fire called 343.
Mutual aid was requested from Crawford fire department, Hemingford Fire department, US Forest Service, Nebraska game and parks and Dawes County roads Department, as well as the help from multiple landowners.
The fire was burning in rugged terrain with lots of old burned dead and down timber from the 2012 fires.
High winds were a huge factor on trying to control this fire. Crews will be on scene throughout the day to continue full containment and monitor hot spots on this fire.