Updated February 9, 2026 – update in italics below.
ANSLEY, Neb. – The Ansley Fire Department was dispatched to a rangeland fire approximately one mile south of Ansley on Highway 183 around 2:12 PM on Thursday, February 5. According to officials, the fire spread quickly to the southeast due to winds and terrain issues hindering firefighting efforts.
UPDATE: A follow-up statement was released Saturday evening, February 7 by Custer County Emergency Manager Mark Rempe, indicating two firefighters were injured during the Thursday afternoon fire, but were able to walk away after one truck was damaged. Both firefighters were transported for medical clearance and are now at home recovering.
While two homes and a feedlot were threatened, no damage was reported as a result of the afternoon blaze which grew to an estimated 200 acres.
Twelve different volunteer departments from across the region were called on to fight the fire. Ansley Fire and Rescue thanks the following agencies and organizations:
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Custer County Emergency Management, Custer County Communications, the Nebraska Department of Roads were also on scene to provide assistance.
At this time, the fire is 100% contained. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but believed to be accidental.
The Ansley Fire Department thanks the numerous groups who assisted in getting the incident under control.
