Officials say Nebraska Sandhills wildfire 30% contained

HALSEY, Neb. (AP) — Officials say progress has been made in containing a large Nebraska Sandhills wildfire where one firefighter died while fighting the flames that also destroyed much of a popular youth campsite. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team, which has taken over management of the Bovee Fire, said in a statement Tuesday that the fire is 30% contained. Favorable weather conditions are helping fire crews contain the grasslands blaze that was sparked Sunday afternoon and ballooned to 15,000 acres within six hours. The fire destroyed the main lodge and cabins of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp and an observation tower. Officials said Purdum Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Moody died Sunday after suffering an apparent heart attack while battling the fire.