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Region 51 emergency director briefs commissioners on North Maxwell fire; mutual aid cited as key to containment
Summary
Region 51 Emergency Management Director Brandon Myers described a March fire near North Maxwell Road that prompted evacuation notices, large mutual‑aid support from fire departments across the region, aerial suppression drops, use of local pivots and sheltering by the Salvation Army. No injuries or structural losses were reported.
Brandon Myers, Region 51 emergency management director, briefed the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on a large grass fire near 9698 North Maxwell Road that began March 26 and required extensive mutual aid.
Myers said Maxwell and Brady volunteer fire departments were first on scene and quickly requested assistance as the fire spread in tall grass under wind-driven conditions. He described a response involving about two dozen fire departments and multiple agencies, including Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska Forest Service and county sheriff units for traffic control. Wallace Aviation provided aerial suppression with multiple drops of class‑A foam. The Salvation Army opened a shelter and provided refreshments and rehab support for first responders, aided by the county’s CERT team.
Myers said evacuation notices were issued and later canceled after fire crews contained the blaze and completed mop-up operations. He described cooperation from landowners who turned pivots on to create wet breaks and from farmers who helped disc fire lines. “Thank God for mutual aid,” Myers told the board. He also said the fire likely began during fence-line repair and possible welding activity rather than as a planned controlled burn.
Commissioners discussed red-flag conditions the day of the fire and enforcement options; Myers and local officials said issuance or denial of permits during red-flag warnings falls to fire chiefs and the state fire marshal’s office. Myers urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts (Smart911/Brave Alert) and for landowners to coordinate with fire districts on pivot hookups, which can speed tanker refills and firefighter support.
Outcome and next steps: Fire officials reported no injuries or structural losses. Myers and commissioners encouraged continued community education and registration for county emergency alerts to ensure timely evacuation and safety notices.
Ending: Commissioners thanked the mutual-aid partners and highlighted improvements in coordination and communication since past fires.
