By Nebraska Forest Service
The Post Fire remains at 5,444 acres and is 100% contained. The burn area received approximately 0.75 inches of rain last night, which significantly helped crews throughout the evening and into the morning. On scene, 3 crews and 10 engines remain. All aircraft have been released.
Over the course of the incident, more than 300 personnel deployed from across the state as well as South Dakota, Kansas, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon to contain the Post Fire that started on September 13th. The Post Fire was started by lightning and contained early last week but re-ignited late in the week and progressed to over 5,000 acres by Friday, September 17th due to high winds in the area.
“We are grateful to all the federal, state, and local firefighters and first responders who worked and continue to work around the clock to protect northwest Nebraska,” says U.S. Forest Service District Ranger, Tim Buskirk. “It is a privilege to work with the men and women who put their skills to work – and their lives at risk – to protect fellow Nebraskans and the community.”
The Type 4 Team will continue to monitor, strengthen containment lines, and mop-up over the next several days. Inside the fire, there are still pockets of unburned fuel that may continue to produce small, isolated smoke columns. This will likely continue for the next several days, and possibly weeks, until substantial moisture is received across the burned area.
In addition, we would like to express our sincerest thanks to the City of Crawford and the surrounding communities. “Thank you for hosting the incident command and all the first responders. We have clogged the roadways, woven throughout the fairgrounds and park, and appreciate all your patience as we dealt with the fire,” said Crawford VFD Fire Chief Brian Prosser.
We would also like to thank each and every person that supported this incident. Whether that was through a food, supply, or monetary donation or your time feeding personnel and keeping facilities clean, the outpouring of support was overwhelming and greatly appreciated.