LINCOLN, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — More wildfires are burning across parts of Nebraska. Two new fires burning in Grant County have burned more than 50,000 combined acres and prompted evacuations of two villages Thursday morning.
This comes just as firefighters contain the largest wildfire in Nebraska state history, and after other devastating fires occur to the south in Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle.
Two New Fires Break Out in Nebraska
Officials are monitoring two fires in the central part of the state— the first is the Minor Fire. Video provided by Adams County Fire Rescue shows an ominous red sky filled with flames. You can see firefighters standing there by a utility gate with pastures lit up behind them.
The Minor Fire has burned nearly 14,000 acres so far and is 1% contained. The second fire, the Ashby Fire, is burning just west, has burned nearly 40,000 acres, and, as of right now, remains uncontained.
Both of these current fires come after the Morrill and Cottonwood fires earlier this month. The Morrill fire is considered the largest in Nebraska’s history, taking out thousands of miles of pastureland and fencing and wreaking havoc on ranching operations in its path.
But help has been pouring in since these fires began. A video provided by Cali Jacobson shows truck after truck rolling into town with literal tons of hay donations. She titled the video, “Nebraska Strong,” which speaks for itself. Jacobson says that in the middle of loss, people are still showing up to help.
Oklahoma Cattlemen Rebuild and Help Fellow Ranchers
The ag community continues to rally together as new wildfires burn across Nebraska, with efforts ranging from hay donations to rebuilding critical infrastructure.
Michael Kelsey with the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the recovery process after they dealt with their own devastating wildfires just a couple of weeks ago.
In his interview with RFD News, Kelsey reflected on Oklahoma’s recent wildfire experience, outlining the impact these events can have on rural communities and agricultural operations. He also provided updated insight into how producers in his state were affected.
Kelsey also discussed how the ag community came together during Oklahoma’s fires and emphasized the importance of extending that same support to Nebraska now. He also addressed the broader impact wildfires can have on major cattle-producing states and the industry as a whole.
Finally, Kelsey shared words of encouragement and perspective as Nebraska producers continue working through recovery efforts.
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