The Prairie Club escapes building damage from nearby wildfire

VALENTINE, Neb. - A world-renowned golf destination south of Valentine is expressing relief after a nearby wildfire burned through the area Thursday but did not damage any of its buildings.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, firefighters were first called to a canyon fire about nine miles south of Kilgore Thursday afternoon. Strong winds quickly pushed the fire through the canyon, jumping a river and reaching Highway 97 south of Valentine. Evacuations were ordered for several nearby homes and The Prairie Club.

“Most of our property seems to be safe, all structures standing, and the damage in the canyon is still under evaluation,” The Prairie Club shared in a statement Friday. “In the meantime, our local volunteer firefighters are heroes and worked tirelessly throughout the night to contain the wildfires. We are endlessly thankful and grateful for their hard work!”

The Prairie Club opened in 2010 and has since gained national attention for its two world-class, links-style golf courses. The destination has been ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the country, and Golf Digest has even rated The Prairie’s Dunes Course as the most fun course in the nation.

Firefighters from nearly 20 departments responded to the fire, with aircraft being called in to help Friday. Authorities estimate the fire burned between 4,000 and 5,000 acres.

Area homeowners say one house in the nearby Amish community was destroyed, and another nearby home was damaged. The Amish community also lost a significant amount of hay. Highway 97 was closed Thursday night and early Friday morning but has since reopened.

Photo courtesy: The Prairie Club