Firefighters from Belgrade have been battling the fires in western Nebraska. Photo provided
Several members of the Belgrade Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) have been deployed to assist with the Brady Wildfire, joining other regional firefighters working to contain the fastmoving blaze.
BVFD volunteers Trey Dodds and Levi Foland departed early Friday morning after recently completing their Red Card training, a certification that prepares firefighters for wildland fire response and allows them to deploy on larger incidents. The two left alongside multiple other departments that make up the Albion Task Force, a coordinated group of rural fire departments that work together during large-scale emergencies.
Red Card training equips firefighters with the skills necessary to operate in challenging wildland fire environments, including fire behavior awareness, safety procedures, and coordinated response tactics.
On Saturday morning, BVFD sent additional support to the fire line, deploying firefighters Matt Hellbusch, Randall Robertson, and Dusty Cornwell to assist with the ongoing response effort. During the deployment, firefighter Levi Foland captured a photo of fellow firefighter Trey Dodds actively working the fire, a snapshot that reflects the demanding and often dangerous conditions crews face while protecting land, livestock, and property from wildfire.
Wildfires across Nebraska and the surrounding region have kept rural fire departments busy in recent weeks, highlighting the importance of welltrained volunteers and properly equipped apparatus.
Community support plays a vital role in making that preparedness possible.
On Sunday, March 29, the Belgrade Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual spaghetti feed fundraiser, a long-standing event that brings the community together in support of its volunteer firefighters. The meal will feature spaghetti, salads, and a wide selection of desserts, and organizers expect another strong turnout. Serving from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Funds raised from the event help ensure the department can continue equipping its trucks and volunteers for emergency responses such as grass fires, wildfires, and other calls for service.
“Fundraisers like this one help make sure our firefighters have what they need when emergencies happen,” said Fire Chief Bob Dodds. “The community’s support allows us to be ready when our neighbors need us most.”