‘Pretty noble cause’: UNL students get hands-on training on fighting wildfires

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Fifteen University of Nebraska-Lincoln students traded in their textbooks for fire gear Wednesday as they got a small taste of what it’s like to fight wildfires.

The training includes using firefighting equipment and taking part in many different exercises.

The public information officer for the Nebraska Forest Service, Benjamin Bohall, said this practice is extremely beneficial for more than just the students.

“With more of these fires happening, we feel it’s important for students to understand how they work and how to help out any way they can,” he said. “And what this does is it provides students with this skill essentially to become wildland firefighters. That almost kills two birds with one stone.”

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Some of the exercises include digging lines, which help stop fires from spreading, and using a fire shelter for when a fire gets too big.

Bohall said the students’ responses are all positive.

“They love it,” he said. “You see it in the news all the time, and now is a chance for them to go out and learn about fire behavior, learn what it takes to become a wildland firefighter.”

Olivia Clancy, a senior at UNL majoring in environmental studies, said this makes her feel like she is a part of something bigger.

“Places are getting a lot more dry and a lot more hot, so I just think fighting the wildfires is a pretty noble cause,” she said. “I guess it’s just one way for me of being able to protect the environment and take an active role.”

Fire maintenance specialist for the Nebraska Forest Service, Erac Maul, led the students in their training.

He said many of them will end the day with their “red card,” which certifies them to fight basic level fires.

“This is putting them on the path to help build their resume but also keep them safe when they’re out there as fire practitioners,” he said.