SIDNEY, Neb. — A small grass fire broke out Tuesday evening at County Road 6 and County Road 121 in rural Cheyenne County, prompting a swift response from the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department at 6:30 p.m.

The fire, which burned roughly half an acre, was reportedly started by a mower and began moving toward an electric pole on the farm. Crews were able to extinguish the flames quickly before any structures were damaged.

Sidney Volunteer Fire Chief Matt Butts used the incident as a reminder to the public to take extra precautions, even when performing routine tasks like mowing.

“Be careful even when mowing,” Butts said. “Have water sources ready to go and avoid mowing on windy days.”

With continued dry and windy conditions, Chief Butts also confirmed no burn permits will be issued in Sidney's fire district until fire weather conditions improve significantly.

The National Weather Service office in North Platte says elevated to near critical fire weather conditions are expected through Friday across western Nebraska.