By Allison Peck
SUTHERLAND, Neb. — Firefighters from across west-central Nebraska spent Tuesday afternoon and evening battling a rapidly spreading grass fire northeast of Sutherland.
Sutherland Fire and Rescue was dispatched at approximately 3:30 p.m. July 28. While crews were en route, they were advised the fire was spreading quickly, prompting an immediate request for mutual aid.
Sutherland Fire initially responded with command staff, two Type 6 engines and an off-road tender. Mutual aid agencies included the Hershey, Paxton, Keystone-Lemoyne, Ogallala, North Platte, Wallace, Maxwell and Tryon fire departments, along with numerous ranch fire rigs and Simplot semi tankers.
According to Maxwell Fire and Rescue, its department was requested for mutual aid just before 4 p.m. Maxwell responded with two Type 6 fire engines and five firefighters. After the main fire was contained, Maxwell crews remained on scene to assist with controlled burn operations before being released around 8 p.m.
Air support from Wallace Aviation was also requested and utilized during the response.
Keith County EMS provided command staff and a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) for on-scene medical support and to help cover any additional emergency calls.
All responding agencies had cleared the scene by approximately 8 p.m.
Sutherland Fire and Rescue thanked its mutual aid partners for their assistance, noting the importance of regional cooperation during large incidents. The department also recognized the North Platte 911 Center for managing radio traffic throughout the response.
No injuries, acreage burned or the cause of the fire had been released as of Wednesday morning.