Firemen from the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire call at about 12:25 Thursday afternoon west of Valentine. It was evident with dry conditions and winds gusting around 35 miles per hour that additional help would be needed, prompting a mutual aid response by Kilgore, Cody, Wood Lake, and Mission fire departments. The SEAT plane was requested early in the process, as well. The plane was able to make one drop on the fire. Numerous private sprayers and ranch rigs were also being utilized in fighting the fire as well as some farm implement equipment. A large disc was being used to help stop the spread of this fire and protect some of the structures that have been threatened by this blaze. The explosive growth of this fire also prompted the evacuation of numerous homes in the are 3-4 miles west of Valentine. The Cherry County Sheriff’s office was conducting door to door notification of homeowners of the dangerous situation. Emergency Medical Services were also requested to the scene of the fire to respond to an elderly male in need of medical attention. The man’s name and condition have not been released to KVSH News at this time.
According to Cherry County Emergency Management Director Jessica Coyle, fire crews are getting the fire under control and are in the mop up process as of 2:50pm Central Time. Homeowners in the evacuation area are also told that they may return to their homes.
More details will follow. Stay tuned to KVSH Radio and kvsh.com for updates.