Lightning storm ignites grass fires

Photo by Bill Coe

Firefighters from Red Willow Western, Culbertson, Trenton and Herndon departments fought a range fire ignited by lightning Monday evening 17 miles southwest of McCook.

Red Willow Western Fire Chief Bill Elliott said a storm that passed over Southwest Nebraska was full of lightning, which started the blaze that burned 40-60 acres of land owned by Porter Ross and Roland Miller.

Elliott said "only a quarter of a trace" of rain fell on the fire.

Elliott said Culbertson and Trenton firefighters arrived on the scene after fighting a grass fire on the Stone Ranch south of Culbertson. "I'd bet every fire department in Southwest Nebraska was out last night," Elliott said this morning. "It was just that kind of storm."

The initial fire call came in about 8 p.m., Elliott said, and his firefighters left the scene about 1 a.m. "We had brush and soap weed smoldering," he said.

Because the countryside is so dry -- despite abundant spring and early summer rains -- Elliott will not issue any burn permits until substantial rainfall arrives.