Wildfire at Rock Creek Station

By Gordon Hopkins The Rock Creek fire, what Jefferson and Saline County Emergency Management is calling “one of the largest wildfires in years,” is now estimated to be 90 percent contained.The Nebraska Forestry Service pointed out, “A reminder, containment does not mean the same thing as 'extinguished.' Containment is the barrier or line created around the fire's footprint to prevent spread.”Following a Nebraska State Patrol drone flight yesterday, the fire’s footprint was updated from the previously reported 2,600 acres to 1,800 acres.Controlled Burns and Dry ConditionsThe Rock Creek fire is just the latest and largest of a string of fires that have bedeviled local firefighters for the last two weeks. Some of those fires were the result of prescribed burns that got out of hand, largely because of weather conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a series of fire danger alerts and Red Flag warnings due to high winds and extremely low humidity.Monday, April 10, Steele City and Diller Fire Departments were called to the scene of two separate fires in the Endicott/Steele City area around 3:00 p.m. A prescribed burn that got out of control was reported just off Highway 8. Fifteen minutes later, a second blaze was reported near 703 Road and 573 Avenue. Jansen and Fairbury Fire Departments were called for mutual aid. Several trees were burned in the conflagration.That same day, Fairbury Rural Fire issued a burn ban, warning, “Due to volatility of the fuels in our area, effective immediately, no more burn permits will be given out or allowed to be activated. This is a total outdoor burn ban for FRFD’s fire district, effective until we get a significant moisture event. Violators will be issued a citation.”The next day, fire departments were recalled to the scene at Highway 8 twice, once in the morning and again that afternoon, as the fire had reportedly rekindled.Rock Creek Station State Historical ParkIt was Tuesday afternoon when wildfire began threatening Rock Creek Station. As the fire continued to grow, multiple departments from across the area responded. The State Fire Marshall's office WIRAT (Wildland Incident Response and Assistance Team) came on the scene to help coordinate. An incident command center was set up at the Rock Creek Station visitor center.The Rock Creek Station State Historical Park and the adjacent state recreation area remains closed temporarily until further notice because of the wildfire.Rock Creek Station was a stage and Pony Express station established in 1857 that became notorious in 1861 when James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok killed David McCanles there and began his career as a gunfighter.Today, the historical park encompasses 350 acres of prairie hilltops, timber-studded creek bottoms, and rugged ravines, as well as the deep ruts carved by the many wagons that traveled the Oregon and California trails which remain to this day. This terrain makes battling the fire extremely difficult.A Nebraska National Guard hand crew are among the firefighters working the fire and, beginning Wednesday, a National Guard UH-60 helicopter repeatedly dropped water to help extinguish the fire. The historical park’s buildings were not damaged, though the fire came within feet of the structures. Crews dowsed them in fire-resistant foam prior to the fire reaching the historical park grounds.Moisture levels are expected to rise significantly over the next 48 hours with rain in the forecast. As a result, state agencies have begun demobilizing and turning support operations back over to local departments.Governor Declares DisasterWednesday afternoon, April 12, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen declared disasters in three counties, including Jefferson, as a result of ongoing fires. Cherry and Garfield were the other two.Thursday, Governor Pillen issued a statewide state of emergency due to ongoing wildfires across Nebraska. Pillen also issued an executive order banning all open burning in Nebraska until April 16.Community ResponseDisasters such as this can bring out both the best and the worst in a community.The influx of vehicles and equipment meant is was vital to keep roads open. Despite multiple pleadings from Emergency Management and other officials for the public to stay away, traffic has been a problem, with people wanting to watch or take pictures.On the other hand, first responders received numerous donations of much needed items, such as bottled water, food, eyewash, liquid IV and many other things. So many donations were receive, in fact, that Emergency Management eventually posted on Facebook that they didn't need anymore, “Your support has-been absolutely amazing! We have been blessed beyond (measure) with the donations we have received. We will reach out and post if any additional donations are needed. Thank you!!”Emergency management also suggested, “If (you) still feel the need to donate please make a cash donation to your local fire department.”Fairbury Mayor Spencer Brown told FJN, “I am incredibly proud of our Local and surrounding Volunteer Fire Departments as well as a community that is banding together and coming to assist with supplies and support.”Jefferson County Commissioners addressed assembled crews Wednesday morning. Commissioner Mark Schoenrock told FJN, “Their service is the true example of the American spirit. When we think of the names and faces of the families and people whose homes and structures were saved due to their service, it is truly inspiring. When we witness all the many departments who came here to serve us and our county, some from very far away, we realize we are in the company of heroes. We are inspired by them and by our own Jefferson County firefighters and emergency responders who so ably serve our citizens 24/7 every day, with true dedication and devotion to duty.”Thus far there have been no injuries or fatalities.Thursday afternoon, NEMA reported that most of the activity on the Rock Creek Fire continues in the western section of the fire. All other sections are in “mop-up.”Fairbury Rural Fire Chief Kenny Krause expressed his gratitude for the regional response to the Rock Creek Fire.“I want to thank everyone from the state level who helped us out on this, as well as the responding local volunteer fire departments,” said Krause. “Most importantly, I was to thank the Fairbury community for their overwhelming donations and support. It was crucial in helping us fight this fire.”

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