Representatives of area fire departments and area agencies were thanked for their efforts to fight the March 22 wildfire during the Buffalo County Commissioner's meeting, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Buffalo County Commissioners took time during their meeting on Tuesday, April 8 to honor the area fire departments, agencies and citizens who helped to fight the 600-acre fire that occurred on Saturday, March 22.
Commissioner Ron Loeffelholz read a Proclamation of Gratitude, which honored the “brave men and women,” who fought challenging conditions to bring the fire under control.
Loeffelholz stated that it is vital to recognize the resilience and dedication of the local volunteers who make numerous sacrifices to keep our communities safe.
There were 28 area fire departments that assisted with the fire including, Kearney, Amherst, Pleasanton, Elm Creek, Gibbon, Ravenna, Shelton, Miller, Eddyville, Minden, Holdrege, Axtell, Hildreth, Franklin, Campbell, Upland, Wilcox, Cairo, Phillips, Chapman, Dannebrog, Grand Island Rural, Doniphan, St. Paul, Elba, Wood River, Loup City and Overton.
The agencies that assisted included the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo County Emergency Management, CHI Health Good Samaritan EMS and Dawson Public Power District.
Businesses that provided water trucks included Bowie Fertilizer, Inc., Trotter, Inc., Kucera Fertilizer and H&H Fields.
Area citizens and farmers that also assisted included Heath Schake, Terry Hadwiger, Torey Hadwiger, Matt Hadwiger, Tayje Hadwiger, Deric Riessland, Seth Kucera, Pete Dixon, Doug Geisler, Ryan Trampe, Lance Keutzer, Dave Kirshner, Dan Ortwig and Dan Refior.
The businesses that provided food or drink donations include Kearney Towing and Repair, Allo Fiber, Nick Gyro’s and Domino’s Pizza.
Jason Whalen, Deputy Fire Chief with the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, spoke following the recognition and said due to the adverse conditions, including wind gusts in excess of 40 mph, it was “nothing shy of a miracle,” the fire was contained the way it was.
It was noted in a KVFD press release that the fire did destroy a house, shop, barn and one KVFD brush truck.
Whalen stated in the release, “We are so very thankful for all of the assisting fire departments, agencies, businesses, farmers, volunteers, and those who donated food and drinks for our responders. This took everyone to bring under control and we are so thankful that there were no serious injuries. We would like to send our deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this devastating fire, especially the Wietjes family who lost their home.”
Whalen also thanked the county for the purchase of additional radios to aid communication after some deficiencies were discovered during the March 22 fire.
He said the departments will be ready, “no matter where the fire strikes next time.”
Also, during the meeting, a proclamation was read to honor National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
Commissioner Dan Lynch, far left, with Buffalo County dispatchers to honor National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
Commissioner Dan Lynch read that the people of Buffalo County are well served by the dispatchers and that the safety of first responders rests on the accuracy of the information obtained by the dispatcher.
He concluded by saying the county enjoys the highest standards when it comes to public safety telecommunications.
Sheriff Neil Miller also spoke and said the dispatchers worked effectively to handle the flow of information that was coming during the March 22 fire and relaying it to those who were fighting the fire in the field.
The commissioners also discussed a citizen request to place an engine braking sign on the north side of the Wood River Bridge on Highway 10.
John Maul, Highway Superintendent, said the citizens have made repeated requests to the county, the City of Kearney and State of Nebraska to have the sign place.
Maul said he had concerns about the sign placement, saying that the placement and maintenance of the sign would be at the county’s expense and the enforcement would be the responsibility of the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office.
Shawn Eatherton, Buffalo County Attorney, spoke during the discussion and noted that enforcement of an engine braking sign is difficult, with law enforcement having to be within the vicinity and hear a violation.
Eatherton said in 25 years no charges for a violation of an engine breaking sign has been brought to his office for prosecution.
Weighing those factors, the commissioners voted unanimously to deny the placement of an engine braking sign.
During the zoning portion of the meeting, Heather Santiago, manager of Heather Santiago LLC, appeared regarding an application for an administrative subdivision located near the 6000 block of Keystone Road.
It was noted that Santiago was seeking to create three lots on the property to allow for the construction of a second house so her daughter could move in and be neighbors.
During the public hearing, Rosana Salinas, Santiago’s daughter, appeared and said she was in favor of the subdivision change as the family could all live closer together.
There were several neighbors from the area who expressed various concerns including increased traffic, use of the property and what type of housing is allowed within an agriculturally zoned property.
The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application for the subdivision.
During the citizen’s comment period, representatives with Tallgrass Energy appeared to give a construction update for their project in the Ravenna and Wood River area.
Since starting in February, there have been 35 miles of pipe construction. It was noted the Wood River part will see the main construction wind down with cleanup efforts behind it.
The project is on schedule to be completed by June, assuming the weather remains cooperative.
Gallery of the March 22 Wildfire Containment
