Fire Prevention Nebraska Style Fire Prevention Nebraska Style
The Crucial Imperative of Fire Prevention During Summer Months
As the sun stretches its rays longer and temperatures rise, the onset of summer brings with it an unique set of joys and challenges. Among these challenges, one of the most critical is the increased risk of wildfires. With dry conditions, gusty winds, and human activities like camping and barbecuing, the summer season often serves as a tinderbox waiting to ignite. Hence, the importance of fire prevention during these months cannot be overstated.
Every year, wildfires wreak
Upcoming Events Upcoming Events
Email your Upcoming Event by the 10th of the previous month (ex. Aug. 10 for the September issue) to jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com . There is no charge.
MAY 16-18, 2025: Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association Fire School, Grand Island, NE.
JUNE 7-8, 2025: SFM –Training Division Course – Wildland Urban Interface Firefighters for Structural Company Officers (F0610), 715 S. Jeffers, North Platte.
JULY 10, 2025: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Scottsbluff (Rural).
JULY 19, 2025: Annual Bob Tichota Fire Prevention Fun Day, hosted by East Central Nebraska Fire Prevention Coop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fremont State Lakes.
AUG. 9-10, 2025: SFM –Training Division CourseIncident Command Systems for Structural Collapse Incidents (F0322) Course, Epply Airfield, 5111 Boeing Ct, Omaha.
SEPT. 21, 2025: 2025 Fall Firefighters Memorial Service.
OCT. 9, 2025: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, West Nebraska Regional Airport (Annual Meeting).
Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, West Nebraska Regional Airport (Annual Meeting).
APR. 9, 2026: Scotts
Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Alliance.
JULY 9, 2026: Scotts
Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Banner County.
OCT. 8, 2026: Scotts
Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Bayard.
havoc on communities, ecosystems, and economies worldwide. In the United States alone, millions of acres of land are scorched, homes destroyed, and lives lost due to these infernos. While some wildfires are sparked by natural causes such as lightning strikes, a significant portion are humancaused and, thus, preventable.
Summer activities like camping, bonfires, and fireworks increase the likelihood of accidental fires. Negligence, such as leaving campfires unattended or discarding cigarette butts improperly, can quickly escalate into catastrophic blazes. Additionally, activities like off-road driving or using equipment that generates sparks can inadvertently ignite dry vegetation, leading to rapid fire spread.
Beyond the immediate dangers to life and property, wildfires have far-reaching consequences for the environment and public health. The smoke produced by wildfires contains harmful pollutants that can exacerbate respiratory issues and contribute to poor air quality, affecting communities miles away from the blaze. Furthermore, the destruction of natural habitats disrupts ecosystems, displaces wildlife, and increases the risk of soil erosion and flooding.
Given the dire consequences of wildfires, proactive fire prevention measures are paramount, particularly during the summer months. Here are some crucial steps individuals and communities can take to mitigate the risk of fire:
1. EDUCATE AND RAISE AWARENESS: Knowledge is the first line of defense against wildfires. Educating the public about the causes of wildfires, the importance of fire safety, and the potential consequences of negligence can empower individuals to make responsible choices.
2. PRACTICE SAFE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Whether camping, grilling, or enjoying recreational activities outdoors, always follow fire safety guidelines. Use designated fire pits or grilling areas, keep flammable materials away from open flames, and never leave fires unattended. Properly extinguish fires by dousing them with water and stirring the ashes until cold to the touch.
3. OBSERVE BURN BANS AND RESTRICTIONS: During periods of high fire danger, authorities may impose burn bans or restrictions on outdoor activities like campfires and fireworks. It is crucial to heed these regulations and refrain from activities that could inadvertently spark a wildfire.
4. REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR: If you observe suspicious behavior or signs of a potential fire hazard, report it immediately to local authorities. Early intervention can prevent small incidents from escalating
into major wildfires.
5. CREATE DEFENSIBLE SPACE: Homeowners living in wildfire-prone areas should create defensible space around their properties by removing dead vegetation, maintaining a fire-resistant landscape, and ensuring proper clearance between structures and flammable materials
6. PREPARE AN EMERGENCY PLAN: In the event of a wildfire, having an emergency plan in place can save lives. Establish evacuation routes, assemble emergency supplies, and stay informed about wildfire alerts and evacuation orders issued by authorities.
7. SUPPORT FIRE PREVENTION EFFORTS: Advocate for policies
Rhonda Cerny, NSVFA Fire Prevention
“... the importance of fire prevention during the summer months cannot be overstated. By practicing vigilance, responsible behavior, and community cooperation, we can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of wildfires”
and initiatives that prioritize fire prevention, fund wildfire mitigation efforts, and support firefighting agencies. Volunteer for community clean-up projects or join local fire prevention organizations to make a tangible impact.
In conclusion, the importance of fire prevention during the summer months cannot be overstated. By practicing vigilance, responsible behavior, and community cooperation, we can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of
wildfires. As stewards of the environment and guardians of our communities, let us prioritize fire prevention efforts to ensure a safer, more resilient future for all.
Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you at the Nebraska State Fire School, hopefully in the Fire Prevention Class!
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Classified ads run $10 for the first 10 words, and 25 cents a word after that. A photo is $10 additional. Rates are the same in each state (Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas). Email the ad to jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com to place your personal or departmental ads.
Denison Volunteer Fire Department is looking for a new home for these hydraulic rescue tools. FREE! Contact Assistant Chief Duane Zenk at 712-2690708. FF-1
PROTECTING OUR HEROES
RHONDA CERNY, NSVFA Fire Prevention Committee
Smokey sez Smokey Sez
By BOB HECKMAN
This month’s article is dedicated to the memory of Kenneth Bahr, Dacota City Vol. Fire Dept. 12/2/2023.
This article is written at the request of the Nebraska Forest Service. As of several weeks ago, over 30,000 acres have burned with an alarming number of fires. The Nebraska average for wildland/grass and 90% are HUMAN caused, NATIONAL average around 80 to 85. If you have a state park in your fire district, work with them on informing campers about fire safety. Working together we can TRY to drop our numbers in the human causes for fires. Train your department members on your policies and S.O.G. on fighting wildland fires.
Now is the time to train your members on your equipment, this includes everything from taking heavy trucks off road driving to driving four wheel drive trucks. The National weather service is predicting a hot dry summer. Last of all, please report your fires to the Nebraska Forest Service, if you don’t report and want to know how to report them..... please reach out to me with your email address and I will get you help you want my address is heckmanbob1@ gmail.com.
This month’s spotlight is on Kearney Vol. Fire Dept. 272 square miles, 55 volunteers, last of all 400 fire calls per year....... Fireman Bob proudly serving Plattsmouth Fire and fire depts. across Nebraska.
State sanctioned training
State sanctioned training led by Nebraska State Fire Marshal Training Specialist Bill Pfeifer took place on Sunday, March 30. Firefighters from Neligh, Elgin, Clearwater, Pierce and Atkinson participated. Photos by Carrie Pitzer/Antelope County News.
FIRE SCHOOL
NSVFA OFficer Reports NSVFA Officer Reports
INCREASE VOLUNTEER
TAX CREDIT LB 115 AND FUNDING FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE/ RESCUE DEPARTMENT
RADIOS LB 25 and LB 62
The Appropriations Committee continues to develop the budget for the next two years. By the time you are reading this, the heavy lifting by the Committee, as well as the Legislature, may have been completed. As tight as the State’s budget appears to be, it may be difficult to obtain an increase in the tax credit amount and additional funding for interoperable radio grants.
More information will be shared during next month’s article.
SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES
LB 398
One of the priority bills identified by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee this year is LB 398. As amended, the bill would reduce the cost of different types of specialty license plates, including organizational
specialty license plates selected by some first responders. The charge of $70 would be reduced to $40 beginning Oct. 1, 2025. The plate entitled, “Nebraska Serious Injury and Line of Duty Death All Response Team,” is one of the organizational plates already in law. The motor vehicle license plate is available to those that may be serving as volunteer first responders or by citizens simply wishing to say “Thank you” to the firefighters and EMS members.
The legislation must still pass two rounds of debate and receive approval from Governor Jim Pillen.
ASSAULTS ON FIRST RESPONDERS
This is a trip down memory lane to revisit current Nebraska law which provides for enhanced criminal penalties for assaults against Nebraska’s first responders. It is troubling to read of news across the country of assaults committed against first responders while risking their lives in responding to emergency calls. A recent news report out of New Hampshire identified that an individual was facing multiple
charges after law enforcement stated he pulled a gun on two firefighters trying to evacuate him from a burning apartment building.
Firefighters received a 911 call reporting the fire, and upon the arrival of the firefighters, fire and heavy smoke were coming from multiple windows. The point – this was a well-involved fire encompassing a great portion of the apartment complex. The report states that as firefighters were trying to evacuate residents, they were confronted with an individual refusing to leave. In the first responders’ attempt to evacuate him, it was reported that the individual pulled a gun on the firefighters, pointed it at them, and stated he wasn’t going to leave. It was reported the man was arrested without further incident.
This event, as recounted recently in national news, took me back to 2014 when then Senator Steve Lathrop introduced legislation to enhance the criminal penalties for assaults against volunteer and career first responders. The Associations presented testimony in support of the legislation and shared
Legal Advisor’s Report Legal Advisor’s Report
I was recently contacted by a volunteer firefighter asking for the qualifications to be a board member of a rural fire protection district. He was told that you must be a property owner in the district. As we approach the time of year annual meetings occur, this is time for a good refresher. As I have discussed in previous articles, elections must be held every other year pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 35-506 (2).
Rural and Suburban Fire District Board of Directors must have five members, each with fouryear terms, with either two or three directors up for election each year, depending on how
the terms are staggered. There may not be more than five board members.
Board members must be registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the district. This excludes municipalities which have not merged with the district. If a board member moves into town mid-term, and that town is not merged with the district, then the board member must resign.
The board member is not entitled to finish his or her term. To reiterate, board members must be registered voters. There is no requirement for board members to own real estate.
NVFC Reports NVFC Reports
Sitting in front of my laptop today pondering on what to write my article about this month, when the NVFC Dispatch email came through and reminded me that May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, and May 5 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. You can get ready now by preparing your department’s volunteers through the NVFC and the U.S. Forest Service’s joint initiative, the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP). Plus, register for a free Roundtable Talk, Educate Your Community on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, taking place on May 1 at 2pm ET. Now I know this is pretty late notice for getting registered for the talk but it will be available in the NVFC
Virtual Classroom soon after the 1st
A joint initiative of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and U.S. Forest Service, WFAP trains fire service volunteers to properly conduct assessments for homes located in the wildland-urban interface and provide recommendations to residents on how to protect their property from wildfires. The program features many resources to help departments conduct home assessments, including:
• Training – Take a free online four module course or request in-person training for your community.
• Toolkit – This train-thetrainer resource can be used to teach others the fundamentals of performing home assessments in
Gerald Stilmock, Lobbyist
“One of the priority bills identified by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee this year is LB 398. As amended, the bill would reduce the cost of different types of specialty license plates, including organizational specialty license plates selected by some first responders ”
with the senators at the time of the Committee hearing that there was an incident in Nebraska in 2007 when a volunteer firefighter, while responding to a fire in Ashland, was shot during the attempt to extinguish the fire.
First responders are placed in a situation where they move toward danger, rather than away. Yet, it appears that the frequency in which assaults on first responders occurs throughout the country is increasing. Fortunately, the legislation was adopted in Nebraska in 2014. The hope, of course, is that assaults on first responders has been reduced in Nebraska because of this law.
This body of law was recently discussed by the Legislature as there is legislation being considered to enhance the criminal penalties for assaults against pharmacists and employees of hospitals or health
clinics. The Associations are tracking this legislation, but they have not taken a position of support or opposing the legislation. The action item on this year’s legislation for the Associations is to ensure that there are no changes to the enhanced penalties for criminals committing assaults against first responders.
FINISHING UP
The Legislature is scheduled to complete its work for the year on June 9, which is the conclusion of this 90-day legislative session. Undoubtedly, there will be much to report on next month. You can track legislative activity by going to the legislative web page, www. nebraskalegislature.gov.
JERRY STILMOCK, Lobbyist
There are also certain requirements for the residence of board members. If the district contains more than one township, each township should be represented on the board of directors unless there are more than five townships within the district. If there are more than five townships in the district, then no township may have more than one board member elected. In case of a vacancy on account of resignation, death, malfeasance, or nonfeasance of a board member, the remaining members of the board must fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. The person appointed to
Ryan K. McIntosh, Legal Advisor
“Board members must be registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the district. This excludes municipalities which have not merged with the district. If a board member moves into town midterm, and that town is not merged with the district, then the board member must resign.”
fill the vacancy shall be from the same area as the person whose office is vacated, if possible, otherwise from the district at large.
communities that are susceptible to wildfires.
• Assessment Tools resources including a checklist and data-tracking system for your home assessment campaign.
• Supplemental Resources Utilize customizable documents to implement and market the WFAP program in your community.
Justin and I will have some of the Wildland Assessment Checklists available at the NVFC table at Nebraska Fire School.
One last paragraph about the OSHA 1910.156 issues. The NVFC’s OSHA Task Force held a meeting on the 15th of April where we discussed the latest information coming out of a meeting that NVFC representatives met with the
I encourage all of you to attend the annual meeting each year and be involved. Represent your department and be informed on the actions of your district. As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
RYAN K. MCINTOSH, Legal Advisor
J oel Cerny, NVFC Director
“May 5 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. You can get ready now by preparing your department’s volunteers through the NVFC and the U.S. Forest Service’s joint initiative, the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP).”
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The IAFF would like to see the proposed standard implemented as written for all fully paid fire departments and the NVFC would like it to be implemented in a tiered approach with Combination and fully Volunteered departments only required to meet parts of the Standard. Of course, this will take some time to get hammered
out for all to agree and not everyone will ever be totally satisfied. Stay tuned for further information and if needed we will try to get a Constant Contact sent out to keep you informed. Hope to see of you later this month in Grand Island at Fire School and as always stay safe.
JOEL E. CERNY, NSVFA Director to the NVFC
Fire School 2025
Fonner Park
Construction
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Fire School Committee members attended a meeting with officials from Fonner Park, and Grand Island Visitors Bureau concerning the construction progress that continues at Fonner Park. The casino, hotel, and parking area are now open on the north side of the Heartland Event Center (HEC). Ongoing construction in this area continues, which will impact traffic flow.
The Pump Operations class on Saturday will be in the area north and west of the casino around the Grand Island Field House, we will have this area flagged off and it is located on the attached map.
Fire school attendees should use the south parking lot. The area in front of the buildings we use for the Introduction to Firefighting, and SCBA Class is closed. New drainage systems are being installed, and paving work is in progress. So, there will be considerable traffic in this
area, as well. Students should use the grass parking lot area west of the buildings. Entrance will be from Fonner Park Blvd. See the attached map.
The vendor set up and the main entrance to the Exhibition Building are not impacted by the construction so that remains the same. Opening ceremonies and the lunch area will be in the HEC as in the past. The HEC is under the new management of VENU Works and they will be providing catering for fire school and offsite lunches for Saturday.
So, please understand there are several new working partnerships with the Fonner Park campus, Grand Island Visitors Bureau, Casino, HEC, and Fire School. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.
The Fire School Committee and NSVFA would also like to thank Fonner Park and the Grand Island Visitors Bureau for all their cooperation and continued support in planning, and delivery of fire school.
Sincerely, Say Safe.
PAT GOULD, Fire School Director
Pickup fire near Cedar Bluffs
1 a. m
on April 8, the
At
.,
Cedar Bluffs Fire Department was paged out to a vehicle fire at Hwy 77, just south of County Road W. Upon arrival, a fully involved pickup was located.
COLLABORATION PRODUCES RESULTS
By JERRY KNAPP and KEVIN KROGH
Specific
Purpose: to show how collaboration benefits everyone.
The advantages of collaboration where highlighted in a brilliant Fire Engineering editorial “A Seat At The Table Keeps You Off The Menu” (Nov 2024) by Chief Dave Rhodes.
In part he writes, “So much of the fire service culture revolves around the kitchen table and the meal. Away from our stations and homes are the great tables where discussions are held and, decisions are made, policy is developed, and a host of other things happen that effect our day to day life and work.
Having a seat at the table where this takes place is an essential part of progress and success. Not being at that the table means that your perspective, experiences and knowledge are not intertwined in the discussion and are potentially left of out consideration on any decision that impact your ability to perform your work.”
At the station, you don’t need to be invited for a seat at the kitchen table, it is open to members: open, continuous collaboration whether you asked for it, want it or not it is there. But collaboration outside the fire house takes effort because the invite is not always open to you.
The purpose of this article is to show how collaborating with others especially outside our fire service can lead to great accomplishments and also assist your professional development and advancing your career. A note…what is important in this article is how you can use these successful examples, failures and experiences. With a little effort, you may be surprised to find yourself working with others resulting in wonderful and unforeseen positive consequences for yourself and your organization and maybe our entire American Fire Service.
Collaborating outside the Fire service takes personal drive and an aggressive personality equally mixed with positive and respectful behavior. It is personally and professionally very rewarding, sometimes risky and or frustrating (you may fail or hit road blocks) and takes significant effort both mental and physical.
Chief Rhodes continues “This is not the sexy part of the job. There is only metaphorical smoke. The fire may surface as a heated debate. And frankly, your average firefighter type wants no part of it.”
The purpose of this article is to examine a real tactical fireground experience that led to very successful collaborations. Benefits were reaped by many and with long term benefits with some benefits that are still developing years later. Reaching outside your normal professional
boundaries can provide you numerous rewards.
FIREGROUND
The explosion sent us each about 35’ across the yard, Captain Patterson in one direction me in another. In a micro second, I am on hands and knees, burned, blood drips from my face, pooling on the street and very confused. Am I dead? Where is my Captain? How could this happen to me? I thought I knew all I needed about natural gas emergencies. We survived, due only to the grace of God.
For months after, my rational brain was mad. My emotional brain was a mess. How could this happen to me? I was very well trained, Chief of my county hazmat team, I fully understood the hazards of explosive gases, it is not even toxic, I knew my 4 gas meter as well as anyone and I had been to hundreds of gas leaks, nothing ever happened. What did I do wrong? Collaboration helped me figure it out. The bottom line: most FF including myself have a huge training gap regarding tactical response to explosive gas emergencies. It took collaboration to fix it.
COLLABORATION BEGINS
Counseling (my first collaboration) fixed the emotional trauma, teaching me to control it, saving my marriage and very probably my life. Kenny similarly recovered and returned to duty. The journey was dangerous, could have been disastrous but turned out ok thanks to this collaboration called counseling.
Start your collaboration for any problem or issue with discussions with friends and coworkers. Collaboration does not need to be aimed at resolving near death experiences, strategic or tactical errors. It can simply be to resolve any issue you may have, a new policy you want to develop, new tools, etc.
Dan Moran, our hazardous materials Deputy Rockland County NY Fire Coordinator, a good friend and better listener and I talked about the incident, a lot. Collaboration #2, Dan has a very open mind, he was a research chemist and open to creative thought, very creative, very beneficial attitude for productive collaboration. Simply, Dan helped me figure out this very complex incident. We found out that there were several very important factors about gas leaks I did not know. How could I not know these things?
Like many other FF across the US, this specific area of my training was weak. Pls see previous FE articles for details. During a phone conversation with Bobby Halton, I explained my obsession with finding how this could have happened to me. Without skipping a beat and his usual quick wit, he suggested this was good and a positive effect of post traumatic growth
Hummm….post traumatic growth, I would never had known about this without this conversation that had untold
positive results. Good things can happen from bad experiences if you journey thru the process positively. Though thoroughly unplanned, collaboration #2 with Chief Halton yielded critical progress though the destination was still not clear. Not sure where this will end but progress. An important lesson learned: Trust your gut feelings and if it feels good just keep driving on. Also important to note, you may not know where or when the trip will end.
By this point I was firmly convinced I (and our FS) needed better training on strategy, tactics, air monitoring and action levels during responses to explosive gasses. I was also lacking a thorough understanding of the gas distribution system, underground migration, high pressure transmission lines, gas industry best practices and maybe most importantly our explosive gas detectors.
COLLABORATION OUTSIDE THE FIRE SERVICE
Armed with the new found knowledge that my training was inadequate the next logical step was to try to fix it. Who can provide better training on gas emergencies to firefighters? Well, the gas utilities of course! Well let’s say the local utility were just not cooperative or responsive to my proposals, requests and recommendations. They provide awareness training which is all that is legally required in NY. Collaboration (#3) with the utility; not so successful or productive, first dead end. Lesson learned, not all your collaborations will result in progress toward your goal. Ignore those that do not help you and move on.
CHOOSING COLLABORATORS
So who has the power to improve training? How and can I collaborate with them? In this example, all states have regulating agencies for utilities,
One side of Leak St at the Rockland County NY Fire Training Center, simulating a residential street with numerous natural gas and propane leak scenarios built with settlement funds from a near double LODD incident. Using our design, Leak Streets will be funded by PSC for every training site in NY State as a result of our collaboration.
gas, water, electric, cable tv, etc. In NY, it is the Public Service Commission, Dept of Public Service. Collaboration #4 coming up. I made a few phone calls, explaining my situation, what Dan and I learned about the training gap, and suggesting more and better quality training is required to prevent bad outcomes like mine. Suddenly we had a date to meet the wizard! The wizard that had the power to help solve the problem as we saw it. Critical point here: be prepared to provide solutions to the problems you present. Without solutions you be viewed as a whiner and complainer, not a problem solver. Have your recommendations in a row, in concise brief-able format….. BEFORE you see the wizard.
MEET THE WIZARD
You never know what type of reception you might get while reaching outside or even inside the fs. This reception was hugely positive! The PSC was concerned about some other responses by NY firefighters in the past several years to utility
emergencies that were less then successful, some resulting in disasters. Thus our connection was now on common ground and both us and the PSC were poised to make progress. The psc however were very honest and said they were not sure what to do about it. Perfect…. “I may have a solution for you.”
Dan and I had prepared a very professional briefing. So there we were, literally in the ivory tower on the 19th floor briefing the suits, engineers, safety officials, attorneys from the agency that regulates all NY utilizes and has strong influences over them. Far out of our Fire Service sphere of influence. We were collaborating with the authorities that had the power to make positive changes! Still, not sure where this is going, but it feels good. We provided a possible solution for all of us to consider and develop: build a full scale training site at my training center.
This first look behind the Wizard’s curtain was very
Deputy Chief Buckheit (second from right) and his staff preview the Tactical Response to Natural Gas Emergencies training and facilities at the Rockland County NY Fire Training Center.
Local Firefighters Provide Support at Dempsters Fire In Beatrice
Firefighters from Fair- bury Rural Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request from Beatrice Fire and Rescue on Friday, March 19, to help battle at the old Dempsters Manufacturing facility in Beatrice. The building was heavily damaged. Some firefighters were still at the scene as of Monday, March 24, and could be seen spraying water on the building.
While fire department personnel initially contained the blaze, it quickly spread to the middle of the compound before being extinguished in the early hours of Saturday, March 22, 2025. A partial demolition of the building was then conducted to remove a section of the structure near Highway 77/6th Street. This area was deemed a safety concern due to the risk of collapse onto the street.
According to the City of Beatrice, “The fire, which initially began in a semi-trailer located at the back of the property, is being investigated as incendiary. This classification indicates that the fire was deliberately started, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The Fire Marshal has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be provided
as they become available.”
Representatives for the city clarified that it does not own the entirety of the Dempsters property, “As such, the city is currently limited to addressing immediate public safety concerns. The city is actively working to acquire the entire property through the foreclosure process, with the long- term goal of demolishing the existing
dilapidated structures and safely disposing of any hazardous materials that may remain.”
In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) successfully removed thousands of gallons of old diesel fuel and other hazardous materials from the site. Any debris from the current demolition will remain on-site while the city continues to collaborate with both the EPA
and the Nebraska Department of Environmental and Energy (NDEE) on the proper disposal of these materials.
The city issued thanks to those who provided support, including Beatrice Fire and Rescue, the Beatrice Police Department, and the City’s Electric, Street, Engineering, Water, and Community Development Departments. We also express
our gratitude for the mutual aid provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, Gage County Sheriff’s Department, Gage County Emergency Management, Fairbury Rural Fire Department and the Beatrice Rural Fire Department.
As of press time the investigation is ongoing. (Fairbury Journal News, Fairbury, Mar. 26, 2025)
Ainsworth hosts refresher class
Forest
Ainsworth Fire Department hosted the annual RT-130 (Wildland Fire/Red Card) Refresher Class on April 15 with 30 firefighters out of various departments and services present. Training was provided by Justin Nickless and Chad Blado from the Nebraska
Service.
O’Neill house fire
On March 20, at 8:41 p.m., O’Neill Volunteer Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a house fire on West Fremont Street in O’Neill. The first engine arrived on scene at 8:49 p.m. The fire started on the exterior of the house and got into the eaves spreading to the attic. Crews quickly got water on the fire, but the south wind fanned the flames throughout the attic which led to a failure to the roof structure. There was extensive damage to the home. The fire was extinguished, and crews began returning to the station a little after 11 p.m.
Dads Lake Fire Ignites at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
Local and federal fire officials have responded to a growing wildfire at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in Cherry County, NE.
The Dads Lake Fire was reported shortly after noon on Friday, March 28.
Smoke from the Dads Lake Fire was visible in the area and area residents were encouraged to monitor local news and heed warnings, including evacuation
orders, from local fire and law enforcement officials.
The Dads Lake Fire ignited near Dads Lake on the refuge and burned in grass.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the fire expanded to the south and east as a result of strong north winds with gusts of up to 31 mph.
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is located in the heart of the Sandhills in north-central
Nebraska.
The Refuge protects native grass prairie found in the hills, meadows, wetlands, lakes, marshes and valleys, and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.
The Refuge was established by Congress in 1935 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.
(Ainsworth Star Journal, Ainsworth, Apr. 2, 2025)
Ravenna training
Kearney Volunteer Fire Department assisted Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department with some training on March 22.
Crews called to Seward fire
A fire broke out in the sawdust collection area of Hughes Brothers, Inc. The fire was contained to that area of the building. Seward Volunteer Fire Department were to the scene at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, April 16. Matt Stryson, a spokesman for Hughes Brothers, said they were doing maintenance on the roof and one of the sawdust collection bins caught fire. Fire departments for Milford, Staplehurst, Garland, Goehner and Tamora were on the scene during the day. At 4 p.m. firefighters were still searching for possible hot spots. Stryson said the power was shut off to the affected area of the building and employees were evacuated with no injuries. Stryson said the fire departments were on top of it quickly, extinguishing flames shooting from the building.
Norfolk extrication training
Norfolk
Wildfire north of Maxwell forces calls for evacuation
Eighteen area fire departments battled a wildfire that charred 8,800 acres 12 miles north of Maxwell on North Maxwell Road, Wednesday, March 26.
Property owners were notified to evacuate twice and the evacuation order was lifted at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Nearly 14 square miles were burned in the fire that started near the private GrayBull Golf Course.
A spark from a welder is believed to be the cause of the fire according to Maxwell Volunteer Fire Chief Cody Seamann.
Firefighters were called to the scene at about 2:00 p.m.
The first evacuation order was issued at 3:08 p.m. for North Maxwell Road near GrayBull Golf Club to U.S. Highway 83. That order was rescinded at 5:40 p.m.
The second evacuation order, from GrayBull Club to Niedan Road, was issued at about 6:20 p.m. and lifted at around 7:40 p.m.
The homes of Jon and Molly Walz, Todd and Lyndi Walz, Rex and Kristy Walz, and Rex and Jeana Hanna were among those threatened.
Jon Walz said they lost a little over three sections of grassland and three quarter of a pivot, but none of their good windbreaks.
“I had started the pivot south of Rex and Jeana’s house to help get the cover crop started because of the heat and drought. I truly believe God had a hand in it because if the pivot had not been on aunt Jeana’s house would have been gone.”
The fire was fueled by strong, shifting winds and tall vegetation.
Ranchers were able to stand ground at the former Steve Nowak place and save native trees, corrals, and an outbuilding.
“We know the area neighbors who came with discs were at the right spot at the right time and if they hadn’t been there it would have been a different story.”
Others reported to have land owned in the path of the fire were Bud and Chris Harvey and V.J. Brosius.
Farmers were able to turn pivots on and also credited for helping with containment. The North Platte Regional Airport, Nebraska Game and Parks, the Nebraska State Patrol, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Salvation Army, Lincoln County CERT, Region 51 Emergency Management and Wallace Aviation helped area fire departments and volunteers.
No injuries, loss of live- stock or structures were reported to the newspaper.
