HALSEY, Neb. -- Fire personnel are working to contain a wildfire in central Nebraska.

Wednesday afternoon saw smoke in the air and fire on the ground near the city of Halsey.

At 2:20 p.m., the Natick wildfire was reported 7.5 miles west of the city.

The fire is believed to have begun near Natick Campground in the Nebraska National Forest in Halsey.

Great Plans Fire Information estimated the fire at 2,000 acres burning on the western edge of a hand-planted forest and the surrounding grasslands.

As of this morning, GPFI said the fire is estimated at 1,800 acres and is 50% contained.

Thursday fire personnel will reinforce established dozer lines to keep the fire south of the Middle Loup River and minimize any growth within the forested area. 

No cause of the fire has been determined, but an investigator is on site.