By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission announced Wednesday that firefighters from multiple agencies are getting ready for the Western Nebraska Engine Academy. That will include training exercises at Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area in the Wildcat Hills near Gering on Sept. 15-17.
Chris Becker, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife biologist, says hunters and others should be aware that burning will occur at various locations on the property and should take that into consideration if they plan to visit the wildlife area this weekend.
Becker said the annual event readies personnel for fighting fire while providing the benefits of prescribed burning. Land managers in western Nebraska often use prescribed burning to improve diversity of desirable plants and lessen the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
More information about the academy may be obtained by contacting the Gering Fire Department at [email protected] or 308-436-2441.