ELLEN MORTENSEN

It is a risky, sometimes grueling job that doesn’t offer a paycheck. The men and women who serve on the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department never know when a call to service might come, or to what extent they may be needed. It may be in the middle of the night. It may be after just sitting down to dinner. It may be while watching one of their kids’ activities. While the timing and scope of the emergency are uncertain, the one thing you can be certain of is that they will answer the call.

Our local fire departments were tested to their limits this past spring as the combination of extremely dry conditions, warm temperatures, and wind created the perfect storm for some of the most destructive wildfires our area has ever seen. On March 12, a large wildfire erupted in southern Dawson and Lincoln counties that prompted requests for mutual aid from departments all across Nebraska. Callaway responded to that call, sending the firefighters they had available at the time.

At that same time, an out-of-control fire was burning near Halsey and Dunning as well. Members of the Callaway department responded with assistance to that fire the day before they headed to Brady to help with the Cottonwood Fire. Then a month later, the department got a call much closer to home.

Around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, the Callaway and Oconto fire departments were dispatched to the scene of a grass fire north of Oconto on Pressey Park Road. Within minutes the crews realized they were going to need help and called mutual aid from all Custer County departments. Callaway Fire Chief Dan Trumbull said he went to the north end to try to get ahead of the fire, but it was spreading too rapidly.

As the raging inferno made its way through the surrounding canyons and valleys, it quickly became apparent that several homes were in the path of the destructive force, and evacuations were enacted. With fire crews from neighboring communities responding to the call for mutual aid, countless volunteers put their own safety on the line in an effort to stop the raging out-of-control flames and preserve structures, livestock, and people.

While fire crews selflessly stood their ground between the flames and people’s homes, there were structures lost in the Pressey Fire, including a primary residence. A total of 12 structures were lost along with an unknown number of livestock. In less than 24 hours, the fire burned approximately 6,000 acres and traveled about 12 miles.

“We had everything we have out there, and at least 20 members,” Chief Trumbull shared. “We had pumpers watching houses and grass rigs running everywhere, and our tinder truck was out there every day.” Area residents have always been aware of the diligence and sacrifices our local volunteer firefighters make; however, homeowners like Sara and Brian Hogg, who live on Ryno Road, will tell you they have a whole new appreciation after watching those volunteers fight to save their home. “We are beyond thankful for all the long, hard hours everyone puts in to fight these fires! Thank you just doesn't seem enough - we are truly grateful for each and every one of them,” the Hoggs said.

The Pressey Fire is just one example of the selfless service by the men and women of the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department. So far this year the department has responded to eight fire calls and 25 EMS calls.

Whether it is answering a minor call within the Village, or responding to a call for help fighting a wildfire somewhere in the region, they are ready to go when the pager sounds. And for that we all say…thank you!