Nemaha County Emergency Management said in a news release that a fire was reported on the north side of Nebraska 136, about 2 miles east of Johnson, around 1:45 p.m.

Fire departments from Johnson, Auburn, Brock, Julian, Tecumseh, Talmage and Elk Creek responded to the fire. Numerous local farmers with tractors and tillage equipment, as well as private companies with water transportation capabilities, worked with firefighters to contain the fire, which was pushed north by strong southerly winds.

As a precautionary measure, an evacuation notice has been issued for residents from Coryell Park up to and including the Village of Brock, the department said. The gymnasium at the Wellness Center in Auburn was made available to the displaced.

The fire department was able to contain the fire after about four hours and the evacuees were finally allowed to return to their homes.

Brock has a population of about 100 and is located about 60 miles southeast of Lincoln.

Much of southeastern Nebraska was under a red flag until 8 p.m. Tuesday due to strong winds of up to 50 miles per hour and extreme dry conditions.

According to the latest Drought Monitor, nearly 93% of Nemaha County is experiencing severe drought.