Miller, Neb. — Multiple fire departments responded to a large grass fire Monday evening near Highway 183 and Pole Line Rd. south of Miller in Buffalo County. Initially, a bystander saw smoke and reported it.
Courtesy/Nolan Smith, Eddyville Volunteer Fire Department — Highway 183 & Pole Line Rd. 9-30-24
Miller Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) Fire Chief Phillip Schroeder says the blaze was between Rd. 190 & Rd. 220 on Highway 183.
Courtesy/Miller Volunteer Fire Department — Burn pattern of grass fire
south of Miller 9-30-24
When Miller’s crews arrived shortly after 6 p.m., it was evident more help would be needed so they first called Elm Creek for mutual aid. Realizing more help would be needed, MVFD also paged-out Amherst, Overton, Kearney & Eddyville fire departments.
Pulling up, Miller firefighters could see the smoke and it was evident conditions were perfect for a fire. Schroeder explains the tactic used to fight the fire…
Schroeder says there were cattle in the pasture, but the owner moved them and none was harmed. No structures were involved, but 130 acres of grassland burned.
A couple of firefighters suffered bumps & bruises, but there weren’t any serious injuries. He says they don’t have an exact cause of the fire, but assume it was caused by power lines. No one witnessed how it happened, so questions remain.
Courtesy/Distant smoke from Highway 183 & Pole Line Rd. fire — 9-30-24
Schroeder was extremely thankful for all the mutual aid available to fight the fire. It was invaluable in getting the fire under control. The MVFD was also appreciative of the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office for help in managing non-fire related traffic during the incident.
Schroeder says the fire was brought under control around 9:00 p.m., but there was a considerable amount of mop-up work that followed.
