BROKEN BOW, NE – (4:45 PM) A large grass fire was reported around 3:30 PM on Thursday afternoon (December 19). Broken Bow fire crews responded to the blaze near Round Valley Road and Gates County Road and quickly called for mutual aid a short time later.
Using strong winds and dry conditions as fuel, the fire is burning rapidly and moving quickly. Custer County Dispatch contacted KCNI/KBBN to ask that on-air reports be delivered to listeners asking that they do not travel in the area and to move over for first responders heading to the blaze from all directions.
Within 15 minutes of the blaze first being reported, mutual aid was requested by Broken Bow for Merna, Ansley, Anselmo, and Sargent. As of 4:30 PM Thursday, Arnold and Callaway were also requested for assistance.
A high wind warning expired in Custer County at 4 PM Thursday, however remains in effect until 6 PM just to the east.
(5:30 PM) As the fire progressed to the southeast, travel along Highway 70 and then along Highway 2 between Broken Bow and Berwyn was shut down by responders.
Smoke from the fires significantly reduced visibility for those who were traveling even further away from where the flames were actively being fought.
(7:45 PM) Officials at Broken Bow Public Schools called the KCNI/KBBN studios to indicate that North Park Elementary had been opened for those affected by the fires. A phone number was given: 308-920-0651.
(9:45 PM) Some hot spots have flared back up near Round Valley Road, the original location of the fire.
Numerous other departments and volunteers from surrounding counties have joined the battle against the blaze in Custer County heading into the night.
(9:58 PM) Custer County Emergency Management is considering the fire as 0% contained, indicating that responders will continue the fight through the night and into the morning on Friday.
(11:05 PM) Broken Bow City Administrator Dave Schmidt indicated via press release that an accident occurred during the fire that is currently being investigated by the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally the release estimated the fire at 25% containment, to be monitored throughout the night. Crews will continue addressing mop-up and difficult to access areas in the morning.
The release closed by encouraging the public to avoid the areas where responders are and to limit travel unless absolutely necessary.
Subsequent updates:
Man killed in UTV accident assisting with fire near Broken Bow
Round Valley Road fire progress stopped, burns 2800 acres
New fire begins Sunday afternoon near location of previous fire
