The burn scar of the Cottonwood Fire near Road 754 north of Farnam in southwest Dawson County, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The City of Kearney, in partnership with the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD), and Brady FFA chapter, is organizing the Cottonwood Fire Fence Drive to assist families and ranches impacted by the recent Cottonwood Fire.
The drive will take place March 30 through April 10, 2026, with the goal of helping those affected rebuild fencing and recover from damages caused by the fire.
Community members are encouraged to contribute through monetary donations or by providing essential fencing materials.
Needed Supplies:
- Barbed wire
- Smooth wire
- Staples
- T-posts
- T-post clips
- Wooden posts
Donation Options:
Supply Donations:
Supplies and gift cards can be purchased at local partners:
- Bomgaars – 910 3rd Avenue, Kearney
- Tractor Supply Co. – 514 3rd Avenue, Kearney
Items may be left at the retail locations for weekly pickup by the City of Kearney Public Works Department.
Drop-Off Location:
City of Kearney Public Works Department, 1919 15th Avenue (secured lot, east side)
Drop-Off Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 4: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- After-hours drop-off available by appointment (308-233-3218)
Monetary Donations:
Flatwater Bank, 120 N. Main Street, Brady, NE, Account: School District #6 Fire Restoration, Venmo: @BPSFIRERESTORATION
(Checks payable to Brady School Foundation)
All funds will support fire recovery efforts, including fence restoration for impacted properties.
Questions:
- City of Kearney Public Works: (308) 233-3218
- Kearney Volunteer Fire Department: (308) 233-3226
- Flatwater Bank of Brady: (308) 584-3311
- Brady Public Schools: (308) 584-3317
The Cottonwood Fire is 129,253 acres and 100 percent contained, (Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2, Courtesy)
