Two towns have been evacuated as firefighters continue to battle a major wildfire in north-central Nebraska.
Residents of Norden and Meadville were asked to leave their homes. Several structures in Norden have been destroyed.
Firefighters are making progress, but the weather forecast for Monday is a concern. Regional Emergency Manager Doug Fox said the fire in the Niobrara River valley was about 50 percent contained by Sunday evening. The fire that began with lightning Friday had already burned about 100,000 acres.
Fox said he's worried about Monday's forecast calling for winds up to 30 mph. The winds, combined with the steep terrain in the area, will make it difficult to fight the fire.
Gov. Heineman visited the area Saturday night and said the Nebraska National Guard will continue sending resources to help.
