10AM Monday Update on Anderson Bridge Fire.
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
According to Cherry County Emergency Management Director Jessica Coyle, there was an aerial mapping Saturday morning indicating that an unofficial 16,182 acres has burned in the area stretching from Highway 97 south of Valentine to 9 miles south of Kilgore. There were a few flare ups South of Kilgore handled by firefighters from that area. Things have been pretty quiet over the past couple of days.
Over 20 fire departments and numerous volunteer ranch rigs, were dispatched Thursday into the evening to battle the fire that started about 4:40 Thursday afternoon 9 miles South of Kilgore near the Niobrara River Valley. Preliminary cause is thought to be a snapped power pole due to wind.
Wind gusts over 60mph quickly pushed the fire about 15 miles to the east where it hit Highway 97. At that point, the wind shifted, and the fire turned south. Highway 97 south of Valentine was reopened to traffic Friday morning. There was a report that a home belonging to Marvin Miller was lost in the Amish community Southwest of Crookston, and they also lost a small cabin and a substantial amount of hay for livestock. Hay was also lost by Rueben Miller and Eli Brenneman in that area. Ranchers have been donating hay but currently they need help with trucking. If you could help with trucking or would like to donate additional hay, contact John Johnson at 402 322 1718.
The Anderson Bridge State Wildlife Area was burned in the fire along with over 1,500 acres of BELF land to the east. There were other property owners in the area that also suffered damage or losses to homes and buildings. Livestock losses appear to be minimal considering the scope of this fire. If you have information about any other losses, please contact KVSH Radio at 402 376 2400.
At this time no Valentine Crews have not been requested at other fires still burning.
