Buffalo Creek Fire grows to 2,500 acres

MELBETA, NE — The fight against the latest wildfire in the panhandle continues Monday afternoon. 

The latest update from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) says the Buffalo Creek Fire has claimed 2,538 acres since the blaze began midday Sunday. 

Multiple local department and state agencies have responded. Twenty-four engines along with personnel are on scene. Monday morning, the Nebraska National Guard deployed two Blackhawk helicopters and nine soldiers from Lincoln to fly sorties over the fire. Two air tankers from Colorado are also assisting. 

Fire crews have been battling rough terrain and high winds throughout the incident. 

"Rugged, inaccessible terrain and wind-driven runs has hampered firefighting efforts," Gering Fire Chief Nathan Flowers said in a statement. "Potential Red Flag warnings might continue to hamper suppression efforts."

The latest forecast includes winds blowing out of the northwest at 30 miles per hour. 

No injuries or structure losses have been reported as of Monday afternoon. 

The Firefighter Ministry is accepting donations of water, Gatorade, eye drops, ibuprofen, gronola bars, chips and chapstick from 2-4 p.m. Monday at the Gering Fire Hall.