LVFD called to backyard fire call

The Monday May 25, 20206 backyard fire in the 900 block of West 12th Street in Lexington burned a tall ponderosa tree to it’s top.
(Dave Schroeder/ KRVN Radio)

Manuel Junior Palma was in his room of a house in west Lexington Monday when he smelled something burning. When he looked out, he saw the growing flames and told his household to get out.

It took place shortly before 4:00pm Monday in the 900 block of west 12th street.

Palma say he and others attempted to alert the neighbor of the fire but, they were not home.

He said his father and a neighbor poured water onto the fire until Lexington Volunteer Fire Department arrived.

Lexington Fire Chief Bob Berry explains the fire started with a tree branch rubbing on a powerline to the house, causing some sparks. The sparks then caught a shed on fire. Berry said the ponderosa tree was tall and the fire burned clear to the top of it. Some backyard fencing along with grass and leaves also burned.

***Two fire engines staged in the street to battle backyard fire. Lexington Volunteer Fire Department also had a grass rig in the alley behind the house. (Dave Schroeder, KRVN Radio)***

The house was not occupied at the time and there were no damages to the two nearby houses.

Agenices asssting at the scene included Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Nebraska Public Power District, Black Hills Energy, Priority Medical. The fire department responded with two engines, one grass rig and 12 firefighters. Berry added that a couple of honorary firefighters helped to pull and roll hose after the fire, which he appreciated.