Hog barn destroyed after large fire near Humphrey

Several volunteer firefighters battled flames and freezing conditions for more than four hours early Monday morning, after a Pillen Family Farms hog barn burned near Humphrey.

December 29, 2025Updated: December 29, 2025
News Channel NebraskaBy News Channel Nebraska

HUMPHREY, Neb. (KOLN) - Several volunteer firefighters battled flames and freezing conditions for more than four hours early Monday morning, after a Pillen Family Farms hog barn burned near Humphrey.

The Humphrey Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was called to the structure, about 3.5 miles southeast of Humphrey, around 3 a.m. Crews remained on scene until about 7:30 a.m., facing bitter cold and strong winds that put added strain on firefighters and equipment.

Humphrey Fire Chief Jeff Brandl said the hog barn was destroyed. The number of hogs lost has not been determined. No injuries were reported, and firefighters were able to save a nearby building.

Brandl said the fire was already burning through one side of the barn when crews arrived. He said it started in the attic before spreading and consuming the rest of the structure.

 

An estimate of damages has not been released.

Several departments assisted at the scene, including Creston, Platte Center, Lindsay, Madison, Monroe, Leigh and Columbus fire departments.

DED, Pillen no-bid contract fight with auditor heads to State Patrol, AG

14 hrs 39 mins ago

DED, Pillen no-bid contract fight with auditor heads to State Patrol, AG

Former director charged in Norfolk Senior Center scandal

February 4th 2026, 5:57 PM UTC

Former director charged in Norfolk Senior Center scandal

Norfolk City Council approves contracts for downtown gateway sign and festoon lighting

February 3rd 2026, 10:29 PM UTC

Norfolk City Council approves contracts for downtown gateway sign and festoon lighting

Norfolk City Council approves contracts for downtown gateway sign and festoon lighting

February 3rd 2026, 8:36 PM UTC

Norfolk City Council approves contracts for downtown gateway sign and festoon lighting

Huskers fall in Top 10 tilt with Illinois, drop to 20-2 on the season

February 1st 2026, 8:30 PM UTC

One of the toughest stretches of Nebraska’s schedule led to a second straight loss for the fifth-ranked Big Red 78-69 to #9 Illinois.

Nebraska ready for physical battle with No. 9 Illinois, Hoiberg provides Frager, Mast updates

January 30th 2026, 6:26 PM UTC

As No. 5 Nebraska gets set to host No. 9 Illinois, Head Coach Fred Hoiberg provided injury/illness updates on Rienk Mast and Braden Frager