Over 15K acres burn in Carter Canyon due to lightning

GERING, Neb. — A fire in the Carter Canyon has caused over 30 volunteer fire departments and around 200 firefighters to work in Gering through the weekend and into Monday.

Nebraska Forest Service Public Information Officer Ben Bohall said they received the fire call Saturday evening.

“We have confirmed photographic evidence that the fire was started by lightning strikes,” Bohall said.

Bohall said the fire is 33 percent contained and Sunday evening was the worst due to the weather.

“We were a little worried yesterday evening because we knew the fire was spreading to the south,” Bohall said. “The good news is we know most of that happened yesterday evening, and because of our firefighters' work, we were able to do more in terms of containment, and digging more line, so we’re looking pretty good today.”

The fire departments have been working out of Cedar Canyon School, an unused building near the canyon. Bohall said the owner let them stay in the building while fighting the fire. He said they are fortunate to be able to work out of a place that has electricity, and internet.

Bohall said they are not sure how long they will be staying there to put the fire out.

“Right now, we are reporting 15,591 acres, that is the latest figure,” Bohall said. “Yesterday we were at a little over 13,000.”

Bohall said he has confidence in the fire teams.

“We’re looking good. We never really can predict what’s going to happen, but we’re feeling good about the progress we’re making,” Bohall said. “We’re getting outside resources. We’ve had firefighters come in from South Dakota and Wyoming.”

Bohall said to donate to the firefighters, people should contact local fire departments directly.

“The community has been incredible in terms of providing donations, snacks, and water,” Bohall said.