Last week saw a busy day for the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department as they responded to two structure fire calls within a few hours of each other.
HVFD Chief Shad Bryner explained that they responded to the report of a house fire on Feb. 15 at approximately 10 p.m.
“We were on scene for approximately five hours,” Bryner said. “We had 18 members respond to that call with five vehicles. The cause of the fire was a fireplace. We received assistance from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Investigator, the Village of Hemingford Utilities, the Hemingford Police Department and Black Hills Energy.”
The total estimated damage to the house and other items was around $350,000.
“The house received very extensive damage as well as many of the contents within the house,” said Bryner. “
As crews were clearing the scene of the house fire in Hemingford, they were called to the report of a barn fire in rural Sheridan County.
“The barn fire was approximately at 4 a.m.,” said Bryner. “We had nine members respond to the call. We responded with five vehicles. We received mutual aid from Alliance, with two vehicles, Hay Springs, with two vehicles, and we were assisted by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Investigator and PREMA.”
Bryner explained that the fire was caused by a heating lamp. Firefighters were on scene for four hours.
“The barn was a total loss,” Bryner said. “There was some livestock losses with it, as well as, equipment and all of the contents that were in the barn. There were no injuries with either fire.”
With both fires, Bryner noted that the biggest challenge in battling them was the cold conditions.
“Everything remained functional, but we did have some minor issues with some freezing,” said Bryner. “It was nothing major, but the cold also takes a toll on fighting the fire as well.”
Bryner explained that in general, people need to stay aware with fire places and heaters.
“In general terms, with fire places, make sure the maintenance is done on it. Get it checked out by professionals as needed. It doesn’t really apply to either one of these (fires) specifically. Heating lamps are one of those things. You have to try to keep the livestock warm, and it was completely accidental. With heating lamps, making sure they’re secure and they’re clear of anything that is combustible,” said Bryner.
Bryner said he is grateful for the employers of the volunteers for allowing them to respond to emergencies.