Brady Community Rallies Around Fire Damage

BRADY, Neb. — Among the chaos and tragedy of the Cottonwood Fire in western Nebraska, local communities have rallied around those in need.

The American Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter in Brady, just north of the fire that's already consumed more than 122,000 acres. Collette Beytine with the Red Cross tells News Channel Nebraska they've seen the community step up quickly and enthusiastically.

Fortunately, the shelter hasn't had anyone come by in need of shelter as of Monday morning, but Beytine says they're ready if things change. The Red Cross is also providing resources to those who need counseling, meals, and even providing teddy bears to children affected by the fire.

Beytine adds she's seen the impact firsthand, "It's very impactful and I saw that in my own family. My daughter's house got hit. They live in a steel building, which is wonderful because it's standing, but they can't live in it because of all the smoke and so that got inside, and that was the case of all the neighbors."

Fire responders are asking those who want to help to not drop off donations at bases for first responders. If you'd like to make a donation or support firefighting efforts, please consider donating through organizations and vendors that can verify needs and coordinate support through the American Red Cross in Nebraska, the Salvation Army of Omaha, and the United Way of Western Nebraska.