Multiple Area Fire Departments Battle Fire South of Long Pine, Bassett

Several fire departments worked to fight a fast moving fire in northern Brown and Rock counties. Photo by Brown County Sheriff's Department

Multiple fire departments from north central Nebraska have been confirmed to respond to a fast moving fire that started near Long Pine around the old drive-in theater off of Highway 20. The blaze was fueled by high winds that roared through the region beginning around 8pm. Shortly before 9:30, Wood Lake firemen were requested to assist in battling the fire, followed by a mutual aid request to Valentine Volunteer Fire Department at about 9:45. According to radio traffic from Cherry County Emergency Management, the Valentine fire trucks were requested to intercept the fire south of Bassett. According to Valentine Fire Chief Terry Engels, a couple big obstacles in fighting the fire were hay piles and tree groves that were still burning late this morning. Valentine and Wood Lake firemen were both back home this morning while local crews remained on scene. While there were no structures reported lost, the fire was estimated to have burned approximately 800 acres covering a 5 mile stretch of land.

Other fire departments confirmed at the Long Pine fire included Long Pine, Ainsworth, Johnstown, Stuart, Ewing, Calamus, and Raven.

Thanks to Sheri Cody for the video and additional pictures!