Local Firefighters Provide Support at Dempsters Fire in Beatrice

Firefighters from Fairbury 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.

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