Local Fire Fighters Help Battle Custer County Blazes

More than 150 firefighters, including several local southeast Nebraska fire departments, have spent this week battling multiple fires currently ravaging Custer County. On Tuesday, February 25, the Fairbury Rural Fire Department (FRFD) announced, “The 3 and 33 Mutual Aid Association Wildland Task Force has been requested in Custer County to assist with the conflagration that is occurring there. FRFD along with trucks from Diller Fire and Rescue, Odell Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Barneston Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Wymore Fire and Rescue and Beatrice Rural Fire will be leaving for Custer County very early tomorrow morning, along with some extra personnel from Beatrice Rural, Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department and FRFD.” The first of the fires began on Monday and have been fueled by a combination of high winds, low humidity and dry conditions. More than 6,000 acres have been burned thus far.Fire officials have divided the three fires in Custer County into two operational divisions: West Division: Eureka Valley Fire – 4,800 acres burned, 75 percent contained. East Division: Lillian Fire and East Table Road Fire – 1,350 acres burned, 55 percent contained.Fire response efforts are being supported by multiple aircraft, including two helicopters conducting water drops and aerial observations. The Broken Bow Fire Department has requested that the public refrain from flying drones in the area to ensure safe and effective firefighting operations.On Thursday, February 27, Governor Jim Pillen declared a State of Emergency in Custer and Dawes counties, which authorizes the state’s adjutant general to activate state emergency plans and resources.Meanwhile, there are Red Flag Warnings for the majority of Nebraska today and also extreme fire weather conditions. Residents should refrain from burning today, as well as watch for dragging tow chains, underinflated tires and do not park hot machinery on tall grass. These all can create a spark that can be the start of a wildfire.The U.S. National Weather Services forecasts strong winds for today. This in combination with low humidity will result in extreme fire danger. High winds mean any fires that ignite could spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

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