Warm, dry, and windy conditions combined on Tuesday, February 18, creating a dangerous situation locally, across Nebraska, and the broader Great Plains region south into Oklahoma, eastern Colorado, and the Texas Panhandle.
Several fires grew rapidly in the dangerous conditions through the day yesterday, with several fires in Oklahoma and Texas burning through the night and into today. In Nebraska, fires were reported just to the east of Cozad, with the Lexington Fire Department, Gothenburg Fire Department, numerous area farmers, and others responding, as well as a blaze in north-central Nebraska near Bassett.
Mason City was the lead department for a fire that started in the late evening near Highway 92 east of Ansley. Mason City Fire Chief Dennis Tompkin indicated the fire burned around 100 acres of tall grass and fallen trees along the side of the highway, moving to the south, then east in rough terrain.
While one home was potentially threatened by the flames, Tompkin stated that keeping the fire from jumping the dirt road separating the blaze from the home became the department’s number one priority. Units from the Mason City Fire Department remained on scene overnight to monitor hot spots.
Among those responding to the Ansley – Mason City fire were departments from Ansley, Loup City, Litchfield, Arcadia, Hazard, and Ord, along with the Sherman County and Custer County Sheriff’s Departments.
The Ansley – Mason City fire is now 100% contained. The cause remains under investigation but is believed to be accidental at this time.
The National Weather Service has indicated a continued high risk for fires through Wednesday, before a change in the weather brings the potential for moisture to the area. Be sure to check in with KCNI/KBBN and Sandhillsexpress.com for the latest in news and weather information.
