REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM SANDHILLS EXPRESS

Monday, Feb. 24, was a busy day for area fire departments as calls began pouring in of fires throughout Custer County. By the end of the day every department in the county and from regions far beyond had arrived to help with as many as six fires being reported.

The following article is from Sandhills Express and KCNI/KBBN Radio, who followed the activity throughout the day and evening and continued to provide updates to the public. They have graciously given permission for the Courier to reprint their story.

Many of the fire calls quickly included calls for mutual aid sending agencies criss-crossing the area to assist. All available personnel from Custer County as well as nearby fire departments were engaged in the effort.

By 3:00 p.m. Monday, Custer County Emergency Manager Mark Rempe indicated that they were aware of five active fires in Custer County at that time. There are concerns about the potential for homes in danger, particularly in an area about 15 miles northeast of Arnold (Eureka Valley area near Road 422/Road 805).

UPDATE (4:30 p.m. Monday): Officials estimate that the fires have impacted over 6,000 acres with that number rising. Several homes are under threat as firefighters contend with challenging conditions created by melting snow and muddy terrain.

Initially, eight separate fires were reported. However, four of these merged into two larger incidents, one of which has since been extinguished. As a result, three active fires persist while three previously active fires are now contained and under close monitoring.

Aerial support is reported as robust, with two airplanes already deployed and an additional two in route.

Residents are strongly advised to steer clear of any areas with visible fire or smoke and to avoid zones where emergency vehicles are operating.

UPDATE (6:38 p.m. Monday): Two firefighters were injured in a fire truck rollover in response to the fire near Lillian Road. One firefighter was transported by Broken Bow Ambulance Service to the hospital. The second firefighter was transported by LifeNet North Platte to a regional trauma facility.

The Broken Bow Fire Department extended their sincere gratitude to all of the area fire departments, the Broken Bow Ambulance Service, Broken Bow Auxiliary, LifeNet North Platte, Custer County Communications, and all other responding agencies.

The release added that emergency crews from all area fire departments are actively responding to the multiple fires across the area to contain them and prevent further spread.

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY

– If you previously had a burn permit, check your burn area to ensure it has not reignited – Avoid affected areas to minimize traffic congestion and allow emergency units to respond quickly – Fire units are extremely heavy when filled with water. Please give them ample space on the road. If it is safe to do so, pull over and come to a complete stop to allow them to pass.

– Expect limited information while emergency crews focus on firefighting efforts The public’s cooperation and patience during the emergency is appreciated. Officials are asking those that recently performed burns on their property to check back on them, soak them with water, and continue to monitor them even if it has been a significant amount of time since initial burning. Several departments have indicated a complete halt on burn permit issuances.

UPDATE (11:15 p.m. Monday): According to Custer County Emergency Management (CCEM), the fires across the county remain active fire scenes heading into the night, but are currently under control. Fire crews will monitor and manage the situation to ensure containment.

Two fires will have crews on scene through the night with additional personnel scheduled to return on Tuesday to continue suppression efforts. Fire departments in Custer County will receive a much-needed break overnight as neighboring departments take over monitoring duties to maintain safety and control.

CCEM indicated that acreage totals remain unchanged from the report given Monday afternoon.

According to the Broken Bow Fire Department (BBFD), the Lillian fire, located north of Broken Bow has an estimated burn area of 870 acres as of late Monday. The firefighter transported by Broken Bow Ambulance Service to Melham Medical Center has been treated and released. The firefighter transported by LifeNet North Platte to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney remains in stable condition and under medical care. No civilian injuries have been reported.

Patient names will not be released by BBFD. No evacuations have been ordered at this time.