Grass fire west of Highway 71 burns 76 acres in Banner County

BANNER COUNTY, Neb. — Firefighters from multiple agencies quickly contained a wind-driven grass fire Sunday afternoon that burned 76 acres west of Highway 71 in Banner County.

Banner County Volunteer Fire & Rescue was dispatched at approximately 10:15 a.m. to a grass fire located about nine miles west of Highway 71 on Highway 88W and one mile north. Due to strong winds and the potential for rapid fire spread, mutual aid was requested from the Lyman-Kiowa Volunteer Fire Department, LaGrange Fire Department and the Scottsbluff Rural Fire Protection District.

Fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control in a timely manner before conducting extensive mop-up operations to ensure all remaining hot spots and embers were extinguished. The final fire unit cleared the scene at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Officials determined the fire was caused by sparks from a downed power line that fell as a result of high winds. In addition to the burned grassland, approximately one-quarter mile of fence was damaged. No injuries were reported.

A total of 13 fire trucks and 24 firefighters responded to the incident, along with two officers from the Banner County Sheriff’s Office. Local farmers also assisted by providing a disc and a payloader, which were used to help establish fire breaks and limit the spread of the fire.

Fire officials credited prompt calls from area residents with helping crews quickly locate the fire. Multiple reports from different directions allowed responders to pinpoint the location and begin suppression efforts without delay.