Chadron wildfire

Firefighters were mopping up after a wildfire started east of Chadron Monday, Sept. 7. The Chadron Volunteer Fire Department says lightning sparked the fire. The department responded with help from a SEAT aircraft, the U.S. Forest Service and two severity trucks. “We're very thankful for the rain we have received recently, but conditions remain dry. Lightning is something we can't control, but we can reduce the risk of human-caused fires,” the department said in a social media post. The Chadron area has battled several wildfires this summer, and dry conditions remain a concern. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows the area in extreme drought, one level below exceptional drought, the most severe category. “Please continue to be cautious and control the risks we can control. A little extra care can make a big difference in preventing the next fire,” the department said. Photo courtesy of the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department.