Keith County firefighters respond to structure fire

OGALLALA -- A county wide response was paged for a structure fire in the Ogallala District Wednesday evening.

At about 7:10 p.m., the Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department reported dispatching four units in addition to EMS coverage by Regional West ALS. Keystone/Lemoyne Fire Department added five units including two grass units due to the rural location and proximity to grass lands and challenging wind.

Brule added a tender and support equipment at the staging area.

Keith County Sheriff's Office provided traffic control and Nebraska Public Power District responded to isolate power during fire suppression.

The fire is under investigation by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal. According to the Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department, the fire would have been much worse had it not been for the efforts of observant travelers who alerted residents. Their response, including the use of "green lines," garden hoses, prevented further spread of the fire.

At about 10:55 p.m., Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department was paged regarding a power pole fire in the city. Cause of the fire is the result of debris carried by wind and arcing from high voltage line. 

Keith County Sheriff's deputies and Nebraska State Patrol provided traffic control while the NPPD responded to the incident.