Rural Nebraska fire departments on ‘high alert’ due to wildfire potential

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – An elevated risk for wildfires has rural Nebraska fire departments gearing up and preparing for possible flare-ups.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management Agency said Tuesday that dry conditions, strong winds and warm temps are creating “dangerous fire conditions.”

Capt. Harrison Gaman said the Crete Volunteer Fire Department is always on “high alert,” but even more so amid wildfire conditions.

“Anything can happen anytime, so we’re always on high alert, but it does definitely make your ears kind of perk up when we have the weather we are having now,” he said.

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Gaman said the department has grown accustomed to battling wildfires in recent years.

The agency has made some changes, like keeping a hose attached to its grass rig at all times, to respond to wildfires quickly.

“Just upgrading things so we’re more prepared when we do get called into service,” Gaman said.

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