INCIDENT UPDATE

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April 29, 2022, CAMBRIDGE  —  The Nebraska Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) assumed control of the Road 702 Fire from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) at 7 a.m. this morning.

“The type 3 IMT will continue to provide rest and relief for local volunteer firefighters as they prepare to pick the fire back up on Saturday,” said Incident Commander Matt Holte of the Nebraska Forest Service. “These local fire departments will be faced with a lot of needs and concerns as they continue to monitor and patrol the area after the outside resources have departed. We want to make sure they have recovered from their extraordinary efforts in the first days of this fire.”

Holte said the IMT is focusing efforts on the Republican River corridor south of Highway 6 where trees and vegetation are still smoldering.

“At the request of the state, the CIMT integrated with state officials and agencies,” said Earl Imler, NEMA preparedness and operation managers. “It was one team, one voice working with great cohesiveness and cooperation. The state would like to thank the team for its professionalism and dedication as it served the citizens of our state.”

Extended Weather Outlook:  High wind watches and warnings are expected tonight and Saturday with blowing dust and ash near the burn scars mainly on Saturday. Gusts are expected to range from 50 to 65 mph. Severe storms are likely this afternoon and evening.

The inactive fire edge is limiting fire spread, and any flare-ups or spot fires would spread with moderate rates across all fuels. The potential for gusty outflow winds from evening thunderstorms could result in very high rates of fire spread.

Road 702 Fire Statistics: Size: 44,024 acres  Containment: 97% Total Personnel: 190 Location: Red Willow, Furnas and Frontier Counties (NE); and Phillips and Norton Counties (KS) Reported: April 22, 2022 Injuries to Date from Initial Attack: 5