03/23/2026
I am having trouble finding the words to express how thankful we are to everyone involved. Last night could have turned out very differently if it wasn't for the selfless actions of a few. It is a very humbling feeling when you are unable to fix a problem yourself, and yet so many people are putting there own lives on the line to save everything you have worked for. All I will say right now is that I seen it. I know who was involved and what you did. I won't ever forget it. It meant more to me than I can say.
Scott
At approx 4:30 yesterday afternoon Rww was paged to the Willow Creek fire south of McCook with possible structures involved. The first trucks on scene advised of structures affected and McCook Fire was paged for structure protection along with Beaver Valley FD and Decatur County FD.
The fire quickly jumped the highway heading east. Traffic control was provided by Red Willow county sheriffs office as smoke covered the highway. Firefighters quickly put in burn lines around Willow Creek Meats to protect the structure.
As the fire quickly moved easterly Culbertson and Indianola FDs were also requested. Tractors and disks quickly put it in lines where they could and farmer and ranchers brought in nurse tanks and semi tankers of water to assist. Burn out lines were also made on the north east side to slow the fire spread.
An IA group was deployed from Ogallala and the Morrill Fire to assist with overnight operations due to the upcoming winds, terrain and to give FF rest.
As the sun comes up this am RWW will be out to patrol lines and hotspots to make sure the windy conditions do not create spot fires.
A few facts from yesterday
The cause of the fire was determined accidental in nature per the Nebraska State Fire Marshal. Possible spontaneous combustion in hay and feed may have occurred which can and will happen and caused the fire.
A farmer did lose a nurse tank in the fire but he was unharmed.
No structures were lost but one home and some outbuildings did receive damage as well as equipment in the yard.
To every farmer and rancher who brought in semis, tractors and disks and more thank you. Your safety and livelihoods are very important to us and to see one lose a piece of equipment is tough but to see their smiling face at the end and knowing they are ok and going home to their family makes them our heroes.
To everyone who provided water and support thank you as well. Also to the City of McCook staff who brought out a water truck and diesel fuel. The support in this area is beyond words.
Again we are still full of donations of food and water from the Cottonwood Fire. Equipment will get cleaned up and repaired today as crews will again be out to check the fire and crews will be at the station working on equipment.
