update:

NEBRASKA CITY - Over 86 firefighters from five departments battled a fire in the main production barn of Nebraska Vegetable and Protein at Nebraska City Tuesday night.

Multiple passers-by on Highway 75 reported flames rising above the structure prior to 8 p.m. Firefighters say most of the fire was contained within the building. Multiple fire crews entered the building to extinguish the fire. Mutual aid was called for to provide water and to provide breaks for interior crews.

The fire destroyed roof trusses, internal equipment, fish and hydroponics plants. A Nebraska City Fire Department report estimates total damage at $1.8 million.

Mutual aid was provided by Dunbar, Talmage, Auburn and Sidney. Of the 86 firefighters, 42 were from mutual aid. Tankers were used to provide water at the fire scene.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Ehmke said the state Fire Marshal's Office responded. A preliminary report blames the fire on accidental electrical.

 

 

NEBRASKA CITY – Emergency crews are at a barn fire along Highway 75 south of Nebraska City tonight.

The barn is on property owned by Kiel VanderVeen, where he operates Nebraska Vegetable and Protein.

The business is the forerunner of the GoodLife Agriculture Atlantic salmon facility that is being built at the former north industrial park at Nebraska City.

Tankers from the Dunbar fire department were requested at the scene before 8 p.m.