A member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota who was suffered burns over 25 percent of his body is suing authorities in Nebraska for setting a prescribed fire in the border town of Whiteclay.

Bryan Blue Bird Jr., 51, went to Whiteclay in March to visit a friend. He said authorities in Sheridan County should have seen him in a prairie grass field before they set the fire during a day with dangerously high winds.

"I'm a grown man, but I've cried a lot since this happened," Blue Bird told the Associated Press. "I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, on anyone's worst enemy. It's horrible."

Blue Bird is suing the county and the Rushville Fire Department.

Get the Story:
Whiteclay burn victim files papers to sue county (AP 6/25)

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