The Superior Express -

Prairie fires have been a major source of concern since the great plains were taken over by farmers and ranchers 150 years (+-) ago. Most farm families have stories of ancestors that plowed fire breaks around their homesteads.

In current years, the threat of these fires has diminished greatly, but they still happen . . . even close to home.

A year ago, a prairie fire burned north of Guide Rock to the east and south, ending up in Kansas. The Lawrence Volunteer Fire Dept. (LVFD) was called upon for "Mutual Aid."

Last week, the LVFD was called again for Mutual Aid to assist in fighting a fire south of Guide Rock (just north of Burr Oak, Kansas). By the time the fire was under control estimates of 9,000 to 10,000 acres of land were burned. The fire was south of Guide Rock mostly in Kansas, but reaching into Nebraska at one time. At least one home we've heard of, plus farm buildings, farm equipment, fences and cattle were also burned.

Stories will be heard as time goes by, however, we understand two men were attempting to move cattle out of the way and had to jump into a pond to avoid the fire. Of course, the cattle joined them. In all, two, or three, fire trucks were lost. Burr Oak lost a vehicle in a head on crash. One farm was saved because the lawn sprinklers were turned on to stop the fire.

In addition to that, the LVFD lost its almost brand new, tanker truck in the fire. The truck also could be used as a "Grass Rig" to go into pastures and range land to fight the fires.

Fires of the intensity and size of this fire is usually beyond the capabilities of local fire departments and usually Mutual Aid is requested. Last week it is known that seven or eight Nebraska towns were asked for help and assumed that a similar number of Kansas departments were called as well.

On Tuesday, March 29, Lawrence sent 15 to 20 volunteers to the scene throughout the day, in addition to the equipment.

A Lawrence Volunteer Fire Truck burned in the prairie fire south of Guide Rock last week. Many a vehicle driver is familiar with driving conditions which hinder the ability to see in front of them. However, they are most often on good roads and don't have to worry about bridges crushing under their weight. By the time this bridge was seen in the midst of smoke and dust, it was too late to stop. Four men in the vehicle escaped without serious injury. Sometime between noon and 5 p.m., fire damaged the bridge enough that it collapsed under the weight of the truck.

The incident that destroyed the Lawrence fire truck happened late afternoon on Tuesday. The truck and four passengers were driving on a dirt road in the fire area. With the smoke and dust, visibility was very limited. Even with the slow speed at which they were driving, by the time the bridge was seen it was too late to stop.

It was known for sure that the bridge was in good shape at noon of that day.

In the truck were Drew Kohmetscher, Dan Laughlin, Nathan Faimon and John Ely of Guide Rock. Ely was taken to the hospital for care and Drew Kohmetscher suffered a broken nose. No other injuries were known.

The incident occurred a mile east and a mile south into Kansas. The crew was traveling to a farm to refill the water tank at the time.

The truck was the newest piece of equipment the LVFD had. It was obtained from the Nebraska Forestry Service only eight months ago. The truck was a former military truck known as a '6x6'. It was refitted for Lawrence to be used as a combined "Tanker" and "Grass Rig."

The cost to the LVFD was just under the $100,000 figure and fire department officials are working with the insurance company on a settlement for the incident.

The fire continued to burn through the area for several days in spite of the rain and cold. On Thursday the LVFD was called again for mutual aid and several men returned to the area to help in a survey of the area to ensure the fires were controlled.