SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — South Dakota firefighters are heading to Nebraska. The Brookings Fire Department says Brush 2 and crew are on the way to help fight the Carter Canyon fire burning in the Wildcat Hills.
The 13,000 acre (as of Sunday) fire has destroyed homes, hay supplies and range land.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission said they are closing several areas in the Panhandle so firefighters won’t be hindered by vehicle traffic. A C-130 tanker from Rapid City is also heading to the fire, as well as Brush 3 and crew from Miller.
Drought-stricken timber and grasslands combined with difficult terrain and breezy conditions led to significant growth of the Carter Canyon Fire that erupted in three different locations due to lightning strikes. from Saturday into Sunday, along with the loss or damage to several homes.
Fire managers utilized aerial assets to limit fire spread to the east. Gering Fire Chief Nathan Flowers told KNEB News that in addition to the Single Engine Air Tanker which has been based at WNRA this fire season, three Large Air Tankers out of Colorado and a Very Large Air Tanker based in Montana were used in the Sunday attack on the fire lines. A helicopter with water drop bucket is among the State assets anticipated to be available Monday.
Roosevelt Public Power District related to KNEB News they have sustained substantial damage to poles and powerlines in the area, and will restore power to customers when it is safe to do so.
