As wildfires rage across the western United States, some 200 firefighters from 30 different cities in 4 states are spending the weekend in the Wildcat Hills south of Gering for more wildland fire training.
The three-day Western Nebraska Engine Academy is offering a Type III incident training with a management team of about 35 based out of Five Rocks Amphitheater in Gering
At the heart of the weekend are active fire exercises in the Cedar Canyon and Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Areas as firefighters work to gain experience needed for wildland firefighting certifications.
Region 22 Emergency Manager Tim Newman told KNEB news that residents and travelers will probably see a lot of firetrucks from a large number of departments as well as more planes and helicopters than usual because of the training.