Fire near Valentine, Kilgore burns more than 16,000 acres, destroys home, kills livestock

VALENTINE, Neb. — A wildfire south of Kilgore has burned more than 16,000 acres and caused significant damage in the area, including the loss of a home, livestock and hay in an Amish community.

Officials say the Anderson Bridge Fire started Thursday afternoon after a power pole snapped during strong winds.

“The fire started right here. This is the power pole that snapped off,” said area landowner Mark Johnson.

Johnson said winds were gusting over 60 miles per hour when the fire began. At the time, he was clearing cedar trees on his property to help reduce fire risk.

“I looked up, and I could see the trees topping. At that point, with the direction of the wind and the way the river valley laid, I knew it was going,” Johnson said.

Johnson quickly jumped into his side-by-side to warn neighbors and pick up his two young children, who were being watched by members of the nearby Amish community.

“Got to the first neighbor. It was already in their backyard. They were not home. I could not go any further because it had engulfed the road,” Johnson said.

Beyond that road was the Amish community.

“The boys were down there at the Amish’s. They took great care of them. They all got evacuated out of there. No loss of life,” Johnson said.

While no one was injured, the fire left a trail of destruction. Johnson said his closest neighbor’s home was damaged. Inside the Amish community, a newly built house was destroyed, along with outbuildings and a cabin.

“I’ve seen dead horses. I’ve been told about a couple of calves and a cow’s udder, but it looks like a hell zone down where they’re at. It’s tough. They lost all of their hay,” Johnson said.

Members of the Amish community told News Channel Nebraska they are grateful the damage was not worse and thankful for the volunteer firefighters who responded.

Johnson said crews from numerous departments have been working for days to contain the fire.

“I'm thankful for their response and the time they’re willing to give up. They’re all busy. A bunch of them are probably calving, but they’re here,” Johnson said.

In addition to volunteer firefighters, Johnson said he is thankful for the many people who have donated food and drinks to support the crews.

Johnson himself lost about 500 acres, mostly timber, but said he is grateful his home is still standing and his family is safe.

“My family is fortunate because we didn’t lose anything that can’t be replaced,” Johnson said.

However, with strong winds still in the forecast, Johnson said the danger is not over.

“There is a lot of fire line that’s unattended and could be trouble later today,” Johnson said.

Firefighters continue to monitor the area as crews work to contain the fire and protect nearby homes and property.