JOHNSTOWN, Neb. - State and federal crews have joined local responders in battling a fast-moving wildfire that has scorched more than 24,000 acres in north-central Nebraska near the small village of Johnstown. Two Blackhawk helicopters and a pair of Bureau of Indian Affairs planes are part of the aerial response, while approximately 30 fire departments and four strike teams are working on the ground.

“It will be a new experience. I’m not too familiar with the area,” said Cassidy Harwood, a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Hemingford Fire Department.

Harwood drove more than three hours to help. She said that many others have done the same.

“As I walk around, I’ve already been in contact with other folks that I know that drove the same amount of distance. We’re actually going to be working with crews that we work with on a more regular basis out west,” Harwood said.

While emergency personnel focus on containing the fire, local residents are stepping up to support the effort in any way they can.

“The firefighters need it,” said Chris Johnson, who is among the volunteers handing out donated food and drinks. “All of our husbands are out fighting the fire.”

Despite the robust response, the fire has already taken a toll. A local rancher has lost at least 45 head of cattle, with more animals potentially needing to be euthanized due to injuries.

“As of today, he was probably going to lose a few more that were going to have to be euthanized. We haven’t heard what that number is yet, but it is a significant loss for him,” said Jessica Pozehl, deputy emergency manager for Brown and Rock Counties.

“$1200 a head is like $54,000, and he’s a young kid just trying to get started. When we talked to him yesterday, he was just having trouble getting his head wrapped around it. I feel bad for him,” Pozehl added.

So far, no homes have been lost, and no injuries to firefighters have been reported.

As smoke continues to hang over the area, community members remain united—sharing food, support, and a sense of resilience.

“Everybody wants to help and give whatever they can, so we really appreciate that,” Johnson said.

As News Channel Nebraska reported earlier this week, the fire began as a prescribed burn that broke containment around 3:15 p.m. Monday after a sudden shift in wind direction.