Thedford Volunteer Fire Rescue

05/11/2026

What requires a burn permit vs what doesn't require a burn permit?

Fact: There is a statewide open burn ban year round, 365 days out of the year, it's Nebraska State Statue 81-520.1. 😉

What does it apply to?
- It applies to bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land.

- It does allow a Fire Chief to make an exception to the burn ban by issuing a Burn Permit, but without a burn permit, you cannot have a bonfire, outdoor rubbish fire, or a fire for the purpose of clearing land.

What does it not apply to?
- It does not apply to outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and recreational fires such as a campfire.

It does not apply to those items because those fires are small in nature and in most cases will have a cover.

We even made a picture reference, because it can get confusing sometimes.

It's also important to know that each City may have their own ordinance on outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and recreational fires, so it's important you reach out to your local officials if you have any questions.

03/13/2026

Per Thomas County Emergency Manager:

Air restrictions in place. Please, no drones allowed in air space above the Nebraska National Forest. Firefighting aircraft cannot and will not fly if airspace incursions occur. We need to get this fire out please respect the temporarily restrictions.

03/10/2026

The forest will be conducting controlled burns south of Natick campground today

03/08/2026

The Nebraska National Forest will be performing a controlled burn north of Colliers in SE Thomas County today

12/04/2025

If you’re out and about, the fire/rescue has cookies and coffee up town. Stop by on your way to the daycare for tamales or the hot chocolate across the street. We love to see everyone and show off any equipment you’d like to see. And Santa just arrived at the Masonic Lodge!

11/14/2025

It’s that time of year again! Time for our annual Soup Supper! Tonight, tomorrow and Sunday from 5-9 pm we will be serving up delicious soups and desserts for everyone. We will also be giving tours of our new ambulance. Also we can give information about the new grass rig we are building out of the old ambulance to save taxpayer dollars. So bring your empty stomachs and come catch up with neighbors that maybe you haven’t seen in a while. We hope to see you there!

08/08/2025

New Ambulance Sustains Rural Nebraska Rescue Capabilities Through Grants and Community Generosity

The Thedford Volunteer Rescue Squad (TVRS) proudly announces the acquisition of a new, state-of-the-art ambulance, significantly enhancing emergency medical services across its vast 1,700-square-mile response area in rural Nebraska. This vital purchase, totaling nearly $295,000, was made possible through a remarkable two-year effort of securing grants, community fundraising, donations and dedicated volunteer work, without the use of local tax dollars.

Since early 2023, TVRS, which covers the Thedford, Halsey, and Purdum fire districts, the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey, and the communities of Thedford, Seneca, Brownlee, and Halsey, embarked on an ambitious journey to replace an aging fleet. Previously operating with ambulances that were 24 and 18 years old, the need for an upgraded unit was paramount for this Advanced Life Support (ALS) service, which has been providing a higher level of patient care since 2010 and 51 years total.
The volunteers of TVRS applied for 12 grants, successfully securing nine awards totaling an impressive $175,300. This substantial grant funding was complemented by overwhelming local support, with $53,000 in generous donations and $ 27,903 raised through community fundraising initiatives. An additional $38,142 came from savings accumulated through EMS billing.
"This new ambulance is a testament to the incredible dedication of our volunteers and the unwavering support of our community and grant partners," said Loren Eaton, Rescue Captain. "It's truly a team achievement, allowing us to continue providing critical, life-saving care with the most up-to-date equipment, all without burdening local taxpayers."

TVRS extends its deepest gratitude to the organizations whose grant funding made this essential acquisition possible:
● Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (ARPA)
● Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation (Childers Fund)
● Farm Credit Services of America
● Thedford Area Community Foundation
● Sterns Charitable Foundation
● BNSF Railway Foundation
● Cherry County Hospital Foundation
● Sandhills Area Foundation
● KBR Operation Round-Up Fund
This new ambulance represents a significant leap forward for emergency response in the Sandhills region, ensuring that residents receive timely and advanced medical care when every second counts.

07/05/2025

*SOLD*

The Thedford Volunteer Fire Department has offered up for sale a Ranchhand full replacement bumper. This bumper fits 2005-2007 Ford F250 or F350. It has a little wear but no major damage. It has a couple holes where a siren was mounted and has mounts for a curved LED light bar welded to the top. It was only taken off because we got rid of the pickup it was on. We are asking $750 or best offer. Please message/comment any questions or to set up a time for viewing.

05/20/2025

Community education is an important role of any EMS Service. TVRS works to put on CPR classes to high school students, teachers and the general public. We also perform a Healthy Heart Check Up annually and have had great success with it.

05/19/2025

This week, during National EMS Appreciation Week, let's give a HUGE shout-out to the incredible Thedford Vol Rescue Squad! 🎉 They're celebrating an amazing 51 YEARS of dedicated service to our communities. Thank you for your commitment and life-saving work!

04/15/2025

***PSA***
There will be Prescribed Burns in the area today. Apr 15

First will be South of Thedford, West of Hwy 83, and South of the Dismal River.

The second will be conducted by the Forest Service in Halsey National Forest.

Thomas County Courthouse

Send a message to learn more