Wildfire — Custer, Nebraska

2024-12-19 to 2024-12-23 · Custer, Nebraska

Event narrative

Fire initiated during the afternoon hours of December 19th near Round Valley Road and 803 Drive, approximately 3 miles northeast of the Broken Bow Municipal Airport. Aided by strong northwesterly winds, the fire raced southeast, consuming approximately 2800 acres of mainly grassland and 3 unoccupied structures. The fire was brought under control on December 21st, then re-ignited on December 22nd. The fire was finally brought under control by December 23rd. One indirect fatality was reported as a result of the fire. A person operating a UTV, in the process of moving cattle away from the fire, was ejected as a result of an accident and died from his injuries.

Wider weather episode

A range fire initiated during the afternoon hours of December 19th near Round Valley Road and 803. By the time the fire was extinguished on December 23rd, 2800 acres of mainly grassland was consumed. One indirect fatality was reported from the fire.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1226602. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.