Nebraska 4-H Camp in Halsey destroyed by fire; local extension agent is “saddened” by tragedy

HALSEY, NE – The Bovee Fire, which ignited at 12:38 p.m. on October 2 in the Nebraska National Forest about three miles south of the Bessey Ranger District office, burned 18,930 acres. This included much of the Nebraska 4-H Camp, including its lodge, cabins and the Scott Lookout Tower. The fire is 97 percent contained, according to the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 Incident Commander Dan Dallas. 

The tragic fire also claimed the life of 59-year-old Mike Moody, assistant chief of the Purdum Volunteer Fire Department, who reportedly died of a heart attack while fighting the fire, officials said. 

Friday, Oct., 7 was the last shift for Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1. On Saturday, Oct. 8, management of the fire transferred to a local Type 4 Incident Management Team, Dallas said.

“The Rocky Mountain team would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to assist us during our tenure here,” he said. 

Among the dozens of fire departments who assisted with the fire were the Grant and Wallace Fire Departments, according to Grant Fire Chief Rick Dreiling. The two departments went to help with the fire as part of the Southwest Nebraska Strike Team, Dreiling said. 

 The fire, which was started when an all-terrain vehicle caught fire on a recreational trail in the Nebraska National Forest, according to officials, is now completely surrounded by fireline. 

Firefighters continue to work on improving the line, Dallas said, mopping up, and patrolling. 

“Residents should note that even though the fire is approaching full containment, smoke may be visible in the interior of the fire for some time. This is normal and does not present a threat,” Dallas said. 

A Fast Moving Fire

Upon starting, the fire quickly spread up to 15 miles north, pushing through dry fuels by gusty south winds. Aggressive structure protection efforts by Forest Service and local firefighters successfully defended the historic Bessey Nursery and CCC Campground. Unfortunately, the lodge and camper cabins of the Nebraska 4-H Camp were destroyed, along with the Scott Lookout Tower. 

According to Perkins and Chase County 4-H Extension Educator Deb Kuenning, the loss is devastating. 

“I was incredibly saddened when I heard about the fire at the State 4-H Camp in Halsey. Generations of 4-H members from Perkins County have fond memories of attending 4-H Camp,” Kuenning said. 

Kuenning said she was at State 4-H Camp in June picking up her son and his cousin from their first year at 4-H Camp. 

“I enjoyed all of the stories they shared on the way home,” she said.

 While Kuenning is saddened at the destruction, she is glad that everyone was safely evacuated from the campground. 

Wanting to Continue

According to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation website, efforts will be made to continue the 4-H camping experience that has been a part of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp since 1963.  

“Friends of 4-H from every community in Nebraska contributed to the campaign for funds (to build the camp). The camp has served youth from nearly every community in the state,” according to the foundation’s website.  

Since its dedication, the camp has reached over 30,000 young people through summer camp programming, fall and spring outdoor education programs and a variety of other opportunities that focused on environmental education, skill development, and the capacity for life-long learning, according to the foundation’s website.

When reporting on past experiences of campers at the camp, the foundation gave the following statistics:  

96% of campers report that the camp was a place where adults cared about them.

94% of campers recognized camp as a place where it was okay to make mistakes.

65% of campers felt encouraged to plan for their future at 4-H camp.

Meeting new friends, exploring, zip-lining, tubing, camp-fire and the look-out tower were routinely shared as “my favorite thing about camp”.

The Bovee fire is not the first to threaten the camp. On May 4, 1965, a major fire burned through the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, destroying the boys’ bathhouse, six cabins, and many trees.

The camp held the distinction of being named Nebraska’s first campsite.

Those of you wishing to contribute to continuing the legacy of 4-H camp in Nebraska, can donate directly to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation at its website at https://www.ne4hfoundation.org/. Indicate you wish for your gift to go to the Environmental Education and Camping fund.