OCONTO, Neb.— The Oconto Volunteer Fire Department, along with mutual aid assistance from several area departments, responded to a grass fire early Sunday afternoon near Drive 774.
Additional resources were requested early in the incident due to the size of the fire, dry conditions, and rapidly spreading flames in rough terrain. Arnold, Broken Bow, Callaway, Cozad, Gothenburg, and Lexington fire departments along with the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and Custer County Emergency Management responded and assisted.
Aerial firefighting support from Arrow Aviation and Buffalo Air was also used to suppress the flames, which played a critical role in slowing the head of the fire giving ground crews the opportunity to establish control lines. Several landowners assisted with tractors and discs and some fire suppression equipment as well.
Most resources assisting were released at about 7 PM, while Oconto Fire Department personnel remained on scene through the night to monitor conditions and address hot spots. The fire scene continued to be monitored into Monday to ensure it remains contained.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Oconto Fire Department thanked all of the assisting fire departments, agencies, and aviation partners for their rapid response, professionalism, and teamwork during the incident.
