Bertrand, Neb. – Around 1:30 am on Sunday, the Bertrand Volunteer Fire Department was called out to a grass fire located approximately two to three miles southeast of Bertrand. After two days of battling the blaze, known as the Johnson Hills Fire, the area was mostly secure by Tuesday morning.
Jessica Evans, a unit captain, secretary, and treasurer of the Bertrand VFD, said they requested mutual aid immediately after arriving to the scene. The Bertrand crew noticed multiple fires burning in the area.
As has been the case with other fires in Nebraska over the past month, uneven pastureland and washouts made it difficult for crews to reach certain lines of fire. Evans said there were moments where crews had to stand and wait for the fire to reach them before attacking.
In addition to the mutual aid response from local fire departments, Evans said farmers once again provided valuable assistance. She said many farmers brought tractors and discs, while others arrived with water tanks that were strategically placed to help distribute much needed water.
Since Sunday morning, the Johnson Hills Fire has been constantly monitored to ensure hot spots and flare ups don’t cause any issues. Evans said Holdrege, Elwood, and Loomis crews have been joining Bertrand in that effort.
As of Wednesday morning, no injuries have been reported. Evans was also happy to report that no homes or any other structures were lost or damaged. She was also very thankful and grateful for the mutual aid that was provided by area departments and farmers.
