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Wildfires wreak havoc across Nebraska. The state emergency management agency says firefighters are battling multiple fires across the state.That includes this one near Cambridge in Furnas County. Officials confirm at least one person has died. We do not know that person’s name yet. Four firefighters have also been hurt battling the wildfires. Two had smoke inhalation and two others were hurt in vehicle accidents.And in northeastern Nebraska, firefighters are working to contain a fire.It’s burning in Burt County near Decatur. KETV NewsWatch 7 spent the day in Burt County where you could see the thick smoke from miles away.Dark clouds of smoke fill the daytime skies.Not far away, people try to fill with gas. A long line of cars waiting on the road because they can’t go home. “These people, they’re coming and they have nothing,” said Oakland fire assistant chief, Jamie Johnson. It’s people like this the Oakland Fire Department is hoping to help.They’re collecting anything that will help them get through the night. “We’re taking donations for the displaced families that are meeting up at the Lyons school. Any donations such as water, Gatorade, we’re also taking donations of toilet paper and nonperishable food items,” Johnson said.Johnson says they’re also helping their department, working tirelessly to stop the flames so they don’t displace anyone else. “Somebody already brought in some food for when they get back and they’ve been out there fighting for good five hours and it’s greatly appreciated the support that we’ve gotten for them,” Johnson said.When it comes to these fires, state Fire Marshal Christopher Cantrell says there are many factors. “We’ve had more red flag warnings, the fire the red flag days, this year than any year since 2012,” Cantrell said.There are several factors involved, on top of the dry conditions and wind.”Four-Wheeler and trucks. I know sometimes it’s not possible if you have cattle to check on. But just understand that those are risk-bearing activities,” Cantrell said.That, among many other things.Johnson says as they fight through the fires, there are things you need to remember. “With the winds being the way that they are, we don’t know what directions the fires are gonna go. There’s heavy smoke. I know that it is a very curious thing. Just let our crews do what they’re going to do. Stay safe. Stay out of that area,” Johnson said.The Oakland Police Department and Oakland Fire Department are working to together to gather supplies for first responders and those displaced by the fires in Burt County. Supplies can be dropped off at the Oakland Fire Hall and will be transported to either the front lines or shelters.
BURT COUNTY, Neb. —
Wildfires wreak havoc across Nebraska. The state emergency management agency says firefighters are battling multiple fires across the state.
That includes this one near Cambridge in Furnas County. Officials confirm at least one person has died. We do not know that person’s name yet.
Four firefighters have also been hurt battling the wildfires.
Two had smoke inhalation and two others were hurt in vehicle accidents.
And in northeastern Nebraska, firefighters are working to contain a fire.
It’s burning in Burt County near Decatur.
KETV NewsWatch 7 spent the day in Burt County where you could see the thick smoke from miles away.
Dark clouds of smoke fill the daytime skies.
Not far away, people try to fill with gas. A long line of cars waiting on the road because they can’t go home.
“These people, they’re coming and they have nothing,” said Oakland fire assistant chief, Jamie Johnson.
It’s people like this the Oakland Fire Department is hoping to help.
They’re collecting anything that will help them get through the night.
“We’re taking donations for the displaced families that are meeting up at the Lyons school. Any donations such as water, Gatorade, we’re also taking donations of toilet paper and nonperishable food items,” Johnson said.
Johnson says they’re also helping their department, working tirelessly to stop the flames so they don’t displace anyone else.
“Somebody already brought in some food for when they get back and they’ve been out there fighting for good five hours and it’s greatly appreciated the support that we’ve gotten for them,” Johnson said.
When it comes to these fires, state Fire Marshal Christopher Cantrell says there are many factors.
“We’ve had more red flag warnings, the fire the red flag days, this year than any year since 2012,” Cantrell said.
There are several factors involved, on top of the dry conditions and wind.
“Four-Wheeler and trucks. I know sometimes it’s not possible if you have cattle to check on. But just understand that those are risk-bearing activities,” Cantrell said.
That, among many other things.
Johnson says as they fight through the fires, there are things you need to remember.
“With the winds being the way that they are, we don’t know what directions the fires are gonna go. There’s heavy smoke. I know that it is a very curious thing. Just let our crews do what they’re going to do. Stay safe. Stay out of that area,” Johnson said.
The Oakland Police Department and Oakland Fire Department are working to together to gather supplies for first responders and those displaced by the fires in Burt County. Supplies can be dropped off at the Oakland Fire Hall and will be transported to either the front lines or shelters.