NORFOLK, Neb. -- Firefighters battled multiple ditch fires on the south edge of Norfolk Wednesday afternoon.

The Norfolk Fire Division was called to the intersection of First Street and Sherwood Road, immediately finding multiple fires burning upon arrival.

According to Norfolk Fire Lt. Bob Nelson, there were two fires south of Sherwood and another three to the north. Nelson said several of the fires were in heavy cover and spreading rapidly.

First Street was shut down by law enforcement due to smoke limiting visibility and concerns for firefighters' safety.

Nelson said it took approximately 12 firefighters and seven rigs about 15 minutes to control the blaze. Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately one hour.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Due to dry conditions in the state, fire officials are warning everyone to take precautions to prevent sparks or ember spread that could lead to a fire.