Buffalo Creek Fire halfway contained midday Wednesday
SCOTTS BLUFF/BANNER COUNTY, NE — Progress continues to be made against the Buffalo Creek Fire in the Nebraska panhandle.
By News Channel NebraskaSCOTTS BLUFF/BANNER COUNTY, NE — Progress continues to be made against the Buffalo Creek Fire in the Nebraska panhandle.
Officials say the fire is now 50 percent contained as of noon MST Wednesday. It has burned 2,595 acres. After significant growth from Sunday to Monday, the fire has burned less than 100 acres since Monday afternoon. Crews worked overnight within the fire's perimeter to better establish containment lines.
Fifteen fire departments were present throughout the day Tuesday. Staffing was reduced to seven fire units from Banner County, Morrill County, Potter Volunteer Fire Department and Nebraska Game and Parks today.
Two Nebraska National Guard helicopter crews remain on scene. They are working with the Nebraska State Patrol, who is using drones equipped with heat cameras to better director the helicopters toward hotspots.
No structures have been damaged and officials say none are currently in danger. No injuries have been reported as of Wednesday afternoon.
A total of 27 fire departments have contributed to the fight.
“We want to especially thank the fire departments and firefighters who have worked so hard to bring this blaze under control,” NEMA Preparedness and Operations Section Manager Earl Imler said. “In addition, the donations from the community are greatly appreciated. We are unbelievably grateful for the community donations that have been received. To all the businesses and citizens, we thank you. And thank you to Firefighter Ministries and Gering High School Public Safety students for their coordinated efforts.”
Nebraska Game and Parks would like to remind hunters that while firearm deer season is open through Nov. 21, the Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area remains closed to the public at this time because of the fire.
Fire managers are expected to continue operations through the week to improve containment lines and focus on confinement efforts. Smoke and heat will be visible within the perimeter for weeks or until significant moisture occurs.