BEATRICE, NE – A significant fire erupted at the long-abandoned Dempster Manufacturing plant in Beatrice Friday night, drawing a massive response from local fire departments. The blaze, which sent flames soaring several stories into the air, prompted road closures and warnings for residents to avoid the area.
Beatrice Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to the former manufacturing site around 9:15 p.m. Initially, the department reported on social media that the fire was “under control and contained to a small area.” However, the situation quickly escalated, and the department issued an updated warning, stating, “the fire has spread. Please avoid the area for your safety.”
Photos and videos from the scene depicted the plant completely engulfed in flames, highlighting the severity of the situation. By midnight Saturday, firefighters had managed to bring the main blaze under control, with only a few vehicles and personnel remaining on site to manage hotspots.
Police cordoned off the area around Sixth Street, preventing bystanders from approaching the dangerous scene. Firefighters from Beatrice Rural Fire assisted in preventing ember fires caused by wind, and Fairbury provided aerial support.
The Dempster Manufacturing plant, established in 1878 by Charles Dempster, has a rich history, having produced windmills, water pumps, cultivators, fertilizer spreaders, gasoline products, and recycling trailers. At its peak, the facility employed 500 people. However, the plant has been abandoned for several years and was condemned.
The City of Beatrice had been in the process of acquiring and demolishing portions of the property, with two buildings already razed. City officials had also been working with the Environmental Protection Agency to address contamination issues at the site.
According to officials, the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal is examining multiple potential causes. No injuries were reported among the firefighters battling the blaze.
A section of Highway 77 near the plant, between Perkins and Caldwell streets, remained closed as of Saturday morning. Residents are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
