Gosper/Furnas county fire burns 30,000 acres, started when dead tree blew into power line
Emergency responders remain on the scene of a wildfire that’s burned nearly 30,000 acres in south-central Nebraska.
By News Channel NebraskaARAPAHOE, NE — Emergency responders remain on the scene of a wildfire that’s burned nearly 30,000 acres in south-central Nebraska.
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the fire started around noon on Thursday. Strong winds blew a dead tree into the power line seven miles southwest of Elwood. Extremely powerful winds, clocked at 60 mph across the region, fanned the flames which scorched thousands of acres in a line to the southeast of the fire’s origin. The Furnas County communities of Arapahoe and Edison were ordered to evacuate, but those orders have since lifted.
NEMA says the fire damaged at least eight homes and 48 outbuildings. Incident Commander Brian Sisson says the fire is 0% contained, which is defined by having a line built around a fire that will keep it from growing under almost any condition. NCN’s Michael Shively reported across the areas north of Arapahoe on Friday afternoon and didn’t see any active flames.
“Responders are establishing a perimeter, working hot spots and cooling the interior of the fire,” Sisson said. “We are appreciative of all the efforts the firefighters are making to work this fire. We also need thank the community for their expressions of support.”
Gov. Pete Ricketts issued a state emergency declaration for Gosper and Furnas counties on Friday. The declaration allows state assets and the Governor’s Emergency Fund to be used for the response.
Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with crews, a 25-person Wildland Taskforce hand crew, a State Patrol helicopter and support vehicles from the Nebraska National Guard have all been on scene. 40 fire departments from across the state have pitched in to help. The American Red Cross is in Arapahoe to provide assistance.
An accident during the response to fighting the fire claimed the life of a local fire chief and sent another official to the hospital.
“NEMA staff are thinking of the family of Chief Darren Krull of the Elwood Volunteer Fire Department who was tragically killed in a head on collision while responding to the fire,” said NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis. “We are keeping Phelps County Emergency Management Director Justin Norris in our thoughts as he recovers from his injuries.”