Loss Estimated at $1.6M in Nebraska Blaze

The loss total has been estimated at $1.6 million for a fire at the former Husqvarna and Kees facility on the north side of Beatrice, Neb.

Beatrice Fire Capt. Jeff Van Winkle told Beatrice radio station KWBE that the building damage loss was put at $750,000 and the loss in contents was estimated at $850,000.

The cause is still under investigation.

Van Winkle says the contents included supplies and equipment owned by Echo Electric Supply and Plymouth Electric. The material was being stored there for the new Beatrice Community Hospital, under construction on the north side of town.

About 50 firefighters battled the flames, which erupted about 4:20 a.m. on Mar. 4.

Beatrice is in southeast Nebraska.

Information from: KWBE-AM