Bird's-Eye View of Niobrara River Valley Fires

By: David Jespersen - Email

Updated: Wed 12:07 PM, Jul 25, 2012

View of the Fairfield Creek fire, which jumped Nebraska Highway 12, below, into the grasslands, from one of the Nebraska National Guard's three Blackhawk helicopters fighting the Fairfield Creek near the Keya Paha/Cherry county line on the north side of the Niobrara River on July 24, 2012, in north central Nebraska. Firefighters stopped the advance of the fire. JEFF BEIERMANN/THE WORLD-HERALD

The Fairfield Creek fire burns out of control near the Keya Paha/Cherry county line on the northside of the Niobrara River on July 23, 2012, in north central Nebraska. (AP Photo/The Omaha World-Herald/Jeff Beiermann)

A fire truck watches along the burn line after The Fairfield Creek fire jumped Nebraska Highway 12, into the grasslands. This view from a Nebraska National Guard Blackhawk helicopter which is fighting the Fairfield Creek near the Keya Paha on July 23 2012. (AP Photo/The Omaha World-Herald/Jeff Beiermann)

Sgt. Richard Shearer of the Nebraska National Guard watches for power lines as their Blackhawk helicopter fights the Fairfield Creek fire along the Niobrara River, on the Keya Paha/Cherry County line, on July 23, 2012 (AP Photo/The Omaha World-Herald/Jeff Beiermann)

Thirty mile an hour winds threaten to spread the Niobrara River Canyon Wildfire farther north. Firefighters have contained 15% of the fire as of Tuesday afternoon. Nearly 66,000 acres have been destroyed so far with 239 firefighters from 30 stations on the scene since Friday.

Four helicopters are continuing to assist ground crews in reaching a higher containment goal.

As you fly in from the south about 30 to 40 miles away, there is smoke on the landscape, on the horizon. There are three different, distinct, wildfires. Zones have been created to fight each of these fires more effectively.

From above, you can make out flames on the ground and periodically, there are fireballs erupting out of the smoke and darkness.

It's obvious how strong that wind is because the smoke is coming up at such an angle in the air. It has to be a nightmare for the crews on the ground containing because it's very rugged land. It's difficult to get out to where these fires are burning.

Thanks to 10/11 viewer Emily Estes for capturing video of a plane dropping fire retardant that was used in Monday's 10pm report.