DUNNING – A number of agencies responded Monday afternoon to contain a grass fire near Dunning.
The fire was reported around 2 p.m. about two miles south of Dunning along Highway 2. The fire is believed to have been started while some hay was being moved.
Region 26 Emergency Management said there were challenges posed by damaged railroad ties and roadway obstructions, but the teams worked efficiently to prevent injuries, livestock losses, and structural damage.
Firefighters from Dunning, Brewster, Purdum, Anselmo, Halsey, Seneca, Brownlee, Thedford, Arnold and the Halsey National Forest Fire Department responded. They were assisted by Blaine County Rescue, Blaine County Sheriff, Blaine County Emergency Management, Nebraska Emergency Management, Nebraska State Patrol, the SEAT Plane from Ainsworth and Arrow Aviation from Broken Bow.
The BNSF railroad was shut down and several railroad ties were severely damaged and continued to cause problems through the night with continued flare ups when the trains began running again.
Region 26 added that local ranchers were instrumental in managing both the fire’s direct effects and the aftermath. Everything was brought under control, and the prompt teamwork ensured that the highway and rail line were returned to use quickly.
