Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 3 Digital Marketing Aganecy](https://www.callbespoke.com/ravenos/2022/08/Center-Ad-DM.png)
Two fires in southern Lancaster County on Oct. 23 burned an estimated 9,000 acres, injured two firefighters and damaged numerous homes and other structures. The rapid spread of the fires were, in part, due to extremely dry conditions.
Drought conditions worsened significantly across Nebraska last week, especially in areas that are experiencing extreme drought, according to the latest Drought Monitor released by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
All but a tiny sliver of the state along the Kansas border is in at least a moderate drought, and more than 83% is now in severe drought or worse.
But the biggest jump in drought conditions came in the extreme category, which now covers more than 51% of the state, up from about 42% the previous week.
Extreme drought now covers large swaths of the Panhandle, southwest Nebraska and north-central and northeast Nebraska.
The only good news was that areas in exceptional drought, the worst category, stayed steady at 11.5% of the state. Those areas remain predominantly in southwest and northeast Nebraska.
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Lancaster County’s situation remained pretty much the same as last week, with all but the northeastern corner in severe drought.
Lincoln has received only about 2.2 inches of rain since the beginning of August, which is more than 6 inches below normal for the period. Currently, it’s the second-driest August-October period ever recorded in Lincoln.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 5 Drought map](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=150%2C116 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=200%2C155 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=225%2C174 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=300%2C232 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=400%2C309 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=540%2C417 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=640%2C495 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=750%2C580 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=990%2C765 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C800 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/33/333342ee-5aff-5ccc-afe5-b4ad0e5eaa98/635b039c04d01.image.jpg?resize=1056%2C816 1200w)
The extremely dry conditions have wreaked havoc in a number of ways, including causing wildfires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres across the state.
The latest were two fires in southern Lancaster County on Sunday that burned an estimated 9,000 acres, injured two firefighters and damaged numerous homes and other structures.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 6 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C889 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C985 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1176 2008w)
A day after fires swept across southern Lancaster County, Hallam Fire Chief Ryan Skillett hoses down a burning tree at Olive Creek State Recreation Area on Monday.
The drought also has been hard on agriculture in the state.
As of last week, 84% of both topsoil and subsoil were rated as short or very short of moisture, while 82% of pastureland was rated as poor or very poor.
A report released Thursday from the Nebraska Farm Bureau showed that drought is the second-biggest concern for the state’s farmers and ranchers going into next year, behind only crop input costs.
Jay Rempe, the Farm Bureau’s senior economist, estimated the state’s farmers could lose as much as $2 billion in revenue this year just on the corn, soybean and wheat crops.
“But it’s likely to be worse because these estimates do not account for other crops like sorghum, sugar beets, sunflowers and dry beans,” Rempe said.
Lancaster County wildfire rekindles, destroys another outbuilding near Olive Creek State Recreation Area
Photos, videos: Wildfire threatens southern Lancaster County
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 6 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C889 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C985 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/7c/07c4133b-5795-56af-96ec-038e4e819067/63572ab5646db.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1176 2008w)
A day after fires swept across southern Lancaster County, Hallam Fire Chief Ryan Skillett hoses down a burning tree at Olive Creek State Recreation Area on Monday.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 8 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/24/224330d1-1414-590e-aebb-f9858c578073/63572ab7efe68.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Hallam Fire Chief Ryan Skillett hoses down a burning tree at Olive Creek State Recreation Area near Hallam on Monday.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 9 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/d1/3d1f4b20-60c0-5c1c-9695-a0b0a3662ea7/63572aba6c7a6.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Hallam firefighter Bryan Heckman hoses down a hot spot with help from Fire Chief Ryan Skillett at Olive Creek State Recreation Area on Monday.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 10 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/45/245db4ed-6c84-514b-8b08-80d6a5eca10c/63572abe1e35f.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Sunday’s grass fire scored this field along Southwest 100th Street in southern Lancaster County.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 11 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/27/d27d2164-dd45-5acb-a239-d84e09aa95c7/63572ac2af55a.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
A tree is seen burning at Olive Creek State Recreation Area near Hallam on Monday.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 12 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e2/3e2851da-2d9f-55a1-a5f6-0acbd30bb903/63572ac5a86e6.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
An out-of-control fire on Sunday scored trees at Olive Creek State Recreation Area near Hallam.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 13 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ff/dff71988-067c-5e4a-99ed-4eea5f0a4cfb/63572ac842177.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Actions by firefighters, with help from farmers, protected many homes like this one on West Princeton Road as flames swept across southern Lancaster County on Sunday.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 14 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/63/263c854e-4b28-52a1-a654-1ca91cd4408c/63572acac5c95.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Dry conditions and strong winds helped to fuel a fire that swept across sections of southern Lancaster County on Sunday.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 15 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/13/f1397b4f-3636-5d39-8e9d-7700270f027a/63572aceb1947.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Sunday’s fires in southern Lancaster County left an area of destruction along West Wendelin Road near Olive Creek Lake.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 16 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/13/d1384323-4d76-5a9c-8087-2c4e89ea5db6/63572ad16327e.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Hallam firefighters keep an eye on hot spots at Olive Creek State Recreation Area on Monday.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 17 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/5b/c5bc2e13-8edf-5465-a990-b6b197feb7db/63572ad5213ef.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Hallam firefighter Bryan Heckman retracts the hose as he checks out hot spots at Olive Creek State Recreation Area following Sunday’s fire.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 18 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=640%2C426 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=990%2C659 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C689 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C799 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C983 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/ef/5efb7db9-6cc0-5b37-97c2-b0d058d85eb4/63572ad89e672.image.jpg?resize=1764%2C1175 2008w)
Fires that swept across southern Lancaster County on Sunday destroyed at least three homes, including a residence on West Wendelin Road near Olive Creek Lake.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 19 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a9/ea90775b-059a-5c80-b96d-7a842965eb70/63572ae0426ad.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Smoke is seen rising from hot spots on West Princeton Road on Monday, a day after flames swept across southern Lancaster County.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 20 Grass fire, 10.24](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/8f/18fe7abc-3104-5948-984a-d0b77f1e5cb0/63572ae2b3340.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
An out-of-control fire on Sunday scored trees at Olive Creek State Recreation Area near Hallam.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 21 Olive Creek](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C776 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b164ac94-7fbe-5303-aefd-d8682a2bea65/635695ef829c3.image.jpg?resize=1500%2C1125 2008w)
Olive Creek State Recreation Area on Monday morning after a wildfire ripped through the area.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 22 Nebraska State Patrol fire drone](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/25/525891e6-45d2-51b1-8d26-d774765095be/63572adadf6b5.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
A drone captured this image of an acreage in southern Lancaster County threatened by Sunday’s massive fire.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 23 State Patrol, grass fire drone](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/62/762097bf-78c6-5359-b421-147283c86153/63572ade4cf60.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
A drone captured this image of the fire on Sunday that threatened sections of southern Lancaster County.
Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.
![Drought worsens, with more than half of Nebraska now in extreme drought or worse 3 Digital Marketing Aganecy](https://www.callbespoke.com/ravenos/2022/08/Center-Ad-DM.png)