Multiple agencies douse machine shed fire near Liberty
Firefighters from multiple departments responded Monday to a fully involved machine shed fire near Liberty.
By News Channel NebraskaLIBERTY, Neb. - Firefighters from multiple departments responded Monday to a fully involved machine shed fire near Liberty.
According to a post on social media, Barneston Fire was dispatched at 11:41 a.m. Monday to an outbuilding fire at a residence. Initial reports indicated a male might be inside the structure, but he was confirmed safely evacuated. Barneston Engine 33 arrived to find the machine shed fully engulfed and crews worked to protect a nearby residence just 10 feet away. Wymore Fire responded under automatic mutual aid.
Firefighters faced several hazards, including burning propane tanks and combustible contents inside the shed. According to Barneston Rural Volunteer Fire, as the fire progressed, two nearby structures experienced exposure fires - one involving a wall of the adjacent residence and another storage building to the south. Both were quickly located with thermal imaging cameras and extinguished, limiting damage.
Around 1:30 p.m., additional mutual aid was requested due to firefighter fatigue and ongoing hazards. Odell Fire provided a mobile air compressor, and Blue Springs Fire assisted with manpower. Property owners also helped by bringing in equipment to move debris and remove a burning tree threatening one of the structures.
Crews remained on scene until about 4:40 p.m., totaling roughly five hours.
A total of 35 firefighters responded from Barneston, Wymore, Odell, and Blue Springs fire departments, with assistance from Norris Public Power and the Gage County Sheriff’s Office.
No injuries were reported.