An estimated 500 acres of the Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area has burned in a blaze that started shortly before noon Sunday.
Gering Fire Chief Nathan Flowers, part of the Unified Command with Banner Co. Fire, said both agencies made the initial response, with additional state and local agencies responding.
Efforts to combat the flames had been hampered by rugged terrain and rapid rates of spread due to windy conditions, which continued to pose challenges.
As of Sunday evening, 24 engines and 14 overhead staff were on hand, as incident commanders used single engine air tankers during the day to drop retardant in areas of concern.
Two homesteads with multiple structures, energy and agricultural infrastructure were said to be currently at risk.
Flowers says crews are conducting ignition operations along Wright’s Gap Road from now into tomorrow, when helicopters and other resources were anticipated to arrive.
According to Game and Parks officials, it’s believed they have been able to evacuate all people from the property, which was getting heavy visitation on the opening weekend of firearm deer season.
The cause of the blaze has yet to be determined.
——————-
Original Story:
Firefighters aare battling yet another wildfire, this time in the hills of the Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area.
According to initial radio communications, Gering Rural Fire was paged to the fire shortly before noon Sunday.
Mutual aid was requested immediately, with crews responding from Banner Co., Minatare, and Scottsbluff Rural, among others. Firefighter Ministry was also on scene, with Carissa Smith telling KNEB News that at this time, there are no additional needs as the ordanization provides relief to those on the fire line.
Details on the size, cause, and whether there were any structures or people threatened were not immediately available.
This is a developing story, and more details will be provided when available.
