Additional resources including helicopters were expected on scene today as the Buffalo Creek Fire that started yesterday shortly before noon has tripled in size.
Incident Commander and Gering Fire Chief Nathan Flowers says the fire, which had been estimated at 500 acres Sunday evening, had grown to approximately 1,500 acres overnight, with 15% containment by the crews from numerous local, regional and state departments and agencies.
Flowers says rugged, inaccessible terrain and wind driven runs has hampered firefighting efforts, with Monday’s plan including burning operations where they can be successful amid a Red Flag Warning taking effect later in the morning. He said firefighters created mechanical lines for containment and have been prepping areas where firefighters can successfully burn areas out.
Area closures are in effect, with Buffalo Creek WMA and Wrights Gap Road closed, with fire crews providing structure protection.
Flowers says donations of water, Gatorade, eye drops, ibuprofen, granola bars, individual chips, and chapstick would be appropriate, and the public is asked to drop off those items for Firefighter Ministry at the Gering Fire Hall between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
