State of Emergency Declared

(DAWES & CUSTER COUNTY, Neb.) — Governor Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency for two counties.

The Custer County Complex Fire started on Monday and now consists of three active fires.

The Schaffer Road Fire started on Tuesday and is located southeast of Chadron.

The Chadron Volunteer Fire Department wrote, “A new fire started today east of Chadron along Redfern road. Fire is burning on private land in grass and timber. Fire is estimated around 20 acres. Dozer and hand crews have lines 80% completed. Heavy trees will continue to burn throughout the night inside the containment lines. We will have crews out again tomorrow. We’re bringing all sorts of resources in as fast we can in order to keep these fires as small as possible. We can’t thank Dawes County Roads, Nebraska Game & Parks, U.S Forest Service, Soldier Creek Hand Crew, and Hay Springs Fire Department!”

For more from Nebraska Emergency Management, visit… https://nema.nebraska.gov/articles.php?nid=294

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From Midwest Melanie

More than 150 firefighters have been actively battling the Custer County Complex Fire at its peak, working tirelessly to contain the spread.

Governor Jim Pillen has declared a state of emergency for this fire, as well as The Schaffer Road Fire near Chadron, to facilitate critical response efforts.

The Governor’s emergency proclamations authorize the state’s adjutant general to implement state emergency plans and allocate necessary resources to manage and mitigate the fires effectively.

The declaration also allowed the Nebraska Military Department to send 22 soldiers and airmen from the Nebraska National Guard to assist with
fighting the Custer County fires.

Fire officials have divided the three fires in Custer County into two operational divisions:

West Division:
• Eureka Valley Fire – 4,800 acres burned, 75% contained.

East Division:
• Lillian Fire and East Table Road Fire – 1,350 acres burned, 55% contained.

Fire response efforts are being supported by multiple aircraft, including two helicopters conducting water drops and aerial observations.

The Broken Bow Vol Fire Department has requested that the public refrain from flying drones in the area to ensure safe and effective firefighting operations. As fire danger remains high, officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution.

The majority of Nebraska will be under ‘extreme’ fire danger on Friday. Residents are advised to avoid any activities that could ignite new fires, such as unmonitored debris burns.

Emergency response teams extend their gratitude to the community for their continued support, including Hot Meals USA for providing meals to first responders.
Governor Jim Pillen
Nebraska State Fire Marshal
Nebraska Forest Service
Custer County Emergency Management
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency

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