Smoke on the water

(Bruce Crosby/McCook Daily Gazette)

A shift in the wind sends smoke and flames billowing over Hugh Butler Lake on Thursday afternoon. The fire was actually part of a planned burn by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, with Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department responding to the scene to assist in the burn. Six trucks, including the department's two semi-tankers, were used along with the Game and Parks grass trucks and tractors to keep the blaze under control. Red Willow Western Rural Fire Chief Bill Elliott has also issued a burn ban for Red Willow County. The burn ban will stay in effect until the area receives sufficient moisture.