By Scout Nelson
An exhausting weekend for area firefighters culminated in a significant wildfire that broke out on Sunday afternoon near Rockford Lake Recreation Area, close to a dairy farm. The fire sparked in the vicinity of South 66th and East Lilac Road, where it was quickly spreading across harvested soybean fields and unharvested corn.
Beatrice Rural Firefighters were the first responders to arrive at the scene, quickly assessing the situation and mobilizing additional support. Fire units from Filley, Blue Springs, Wymore, and Barneston joined in the firefighting efforts, showcasing the collaborative response of local agencies. Farmers in the area also pitched in, using tractors with discs to create fire lines to help contain the blaze.
Campers at Rockford Lake were notified about the fire, preparing them for a possible evacuation as the flames advanced. The fire was located to the east of the campground, and strong north winds, gusting between 15 to 30 miles per hour, pushed the flames southward, creating an urgent situation for firefighters.
To efficiently manage the fire, some units tapped into a Beatrice City fire hydrant located near Beatrice High School to refill water supplies. This quick action was essential as the firefighters worked diligently to control the blaze.
Notably, this fire occurred in the same area where another major fire had burned hundreds of acres and destroyed a building along U.S. Highway 136 earlier on the same day. The firefighters fought Sunday afternoon’s blaze starting just after 1:00 p.m., and they worked tirelessly until around 3:30 p.m. when the last crew wrapped up their efforts.
The coordinated response by local firefighters, farmers, and the community was instrumental in managing the wildfire and preventing further damage to property and agricultural land.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, General