Buffalo Creek Wildfire Continues to Burn

As of 1:30pm Tuesday, the Buffalo Creek Wildfire burning in western Nebraska is currently 40 percent contained. The Nebraska Emergency Management Advisory is working with several state agencies to contain the wildfire. The fire, which started Sunday around 11:30 a.m., has burned 2,500 acres.

Incident commanders have said that safety of the firefighters and the public have been their number one concern. There have been no reported injuries or evacuations so far.

"They are very happy to report that they don't have any problems of the sort at this point." said Jodie Faul, public information officer at NEMA.

Agencies working to battle the fire include 27 volunteer fire departments, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Nebraska Forestry Service, as well as an air strike team from Wyoming. One tool being used is a multi-mission aircraft flight that does ground mapping, which helps determine how much growth is in the fire. Crews discovered that there was minimal growth overnight.

"It shows where the fire is basically so they can see if it is getting towards any of the containment lines they are working on," Faul said.

The rugged terrain of the panhandle have not helped firefighting efforts, as well as red flag warnings being posted. These warnings indicate the increased fire weather risk and include warm temperatures, strong winds and dry areas.

The fires are currently four miles west of the Wildcat Hills estate area, but as of right now do not pose as a threat to those homes.

For anyone interested in donating to help those affected by the this or any wildfire, the Firefighters Ministries accepts donations such as water, Gatorade and eyedrops.