Wakefield’s Volunteer Fire and Rescue was dispatched at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17th north of town to Gardner Grower 2 where a fire had broken out in one of the chicken houses.
The large fire was responded to by additional personnel from other fire departments including Wakefield; Allen-Waterbury; Concord/Dixon; Emerson; Wayne, and Pender. Rural Fire Chief Lyle Ekberg estimated between 35 and 40 personnel from surrounding areas. The Lincoln fire marshal was also on hand. Central Valley Ag also joined in the effort hauling water to the scene.
The members of the Wakefield Fire Department on hand fighting the fire were: James Felt; Nick Ekberg; Kevin Wiltman; Adam Ulrich; Lyle Ekberg; Teresa Soderberg; Brendan Nicholson; Scott Wageman; Andy Vazquez; Geena Rahn; Dakota Roberts; Joe Brown; and Jake Rahn.
In addition to fighting the fire Wakefield Rescue had to be dispatched from the scene for an unrelated call to take someone to Pender Community Hospital.