Winds Exacerbate Fires Around Area

(SCOTTS BLUFF CO., Nebraska) — With westerly winds of up to 40 MPH and Gusts as high as 60 MPH on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, area fire departments had their hands full. We received several reports of fires in the surrounding area. A grass fire near Lake Alice was controled with no injuries within an hour, however, a blaze started in Mitchell caused a huge response of Mutual Aid from area Fire Departments. While responding to the Mitchell fire, Torrington had to split their crew to respond to a hay stack fire.

The following is a thread of the progress on containment of these fires. Newest information will be added to the top of the article.

UPDATE: Roosevelt Public Power District posted this message regarding the anticipated power outage in Mitchell due to fire damage. Outage began at 10:50 am in South Mitchell.

Good morning, as you are probably aware of the fire last night 2/25/25 south of Mitchell. There was some damage to a couple of our power poles that we are replacing this morning. Once we have completed replacing those poles we will have to take an Outage to restore full power. The Outage will be from Cook River Rd on Spring Creek Rd to the River bridge on South Mitchell Rd. We DO NOT have an estimated time right now when that will take place but will be today 2/26/25. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

As of 6:45 pm 2/25/25, the haystack fire was still burning according to eye witnesses.

4:33 pm – Road Now Open

Spring Creek Road has now reopened and the fires are mostly contained. With the sun going down soon, the winds should die down a bit. Our live reporters are on separate scenes making sure you get the information as we get it. Thank you for staying with us and let’s give a special thanks to all of the agencies that hustled to get this under control!

4:28 – Units On Scene

Here’s a list of units that we know of that are on scene at this time. This list could grow. If you know of another agency that is helping out here please let us know.

4:15 pm – Torrington Haystack Fire

We received a report of a Haystack Fire north of Torrington, started about an hour ago.

From Torrington Volunteer Fire Department

A busy afternoon resulted in 2 calls for service for TVFD members!

Mutual Aid resources were requested by Mitchell Nebraska for a grass fire south of town. TVFD sent 2 quick attacks and 5 firefighters.

Shortly there after, TVFD was dispatched to a grass fire, possibly a hay stack fire. Upon arrival there was an active hay stack fire observed with a grass fire moving south. Responding resources from TVFD were: Rural 1, 3, 12, 14, 15; Tanker 1; Command and 14 firefighters. Mutual aid was given from Yoder, Lingle and Prairie Center. This haystack will continue to burn through the night and into tomorrow.

We’re so fortunate for these mutual aid relationships, whether they’re in our own county or across state lines, they prove to be valuable time and time again!

4:02 pm – BREAKING: Road Closed

Spring Creek Road to Highway 26 is CLOSED.

Our on scene reporters have spoken with Roosevelt Public Power District and they are installing a halt boot. It is our belief that a halt boot stops all power down the line in these situations.

3:30 pm – Possible Structure Fire

The fire south of Mitchell continues with multiple agencies responding including the National Forest Service, Region 22 Emergency Management and fire departments from agencies around the Panhandle. Now they are attempting to save a structure, possibly more than one. Looks like it could potentially be a house and a shop. Please pray for all of our firefighters and emergency personnel.

2:27 pm – MITCHELL POWER OUTAGES

You’re going to experience some power outages in Mitchell. We have been told that Roosevelt Public Power District is currently cutting power due to the continuing fire south of Mitchell.

2:15 pm – FIRE FIRE

We now have multiple agencies on scene for the fire south of Mitchell, that is heading east. Dry windy conditions are creating the need for more resources.

* Secondary Fire *

We also have a separate report of another fire that just crossed South Mitchell Road. See Video. Standby for more. Our on scene reporter is warning area homeowners.

1:26 pm – Fast Moving Fire

— AVOID 10th STREET MITCHELL —

Scanner traffic indicated a grass fire south of Mitchell. Mutual aid has been requested.

We have scanner traffic indicating that the fire is moving East and is currently north of Steve’s Truck. (pin on the map is Steve’s)

We have eyewitness reports of a grass fire that is out of control now heading east from South Mitchell Road. Fire is located about half mile south of town and is moving fast to the east because of the high winds. Firefighters are attempting to get ahead of it but it is proving to be very difficult. If you have homes that are to the east of South Mitchell Road, please be aware!