PONCA - Wildfires are popping up in Nebraska at an alarming rate this summer, underscoring the need for fire prevention and training. The Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) is addressing this with its Eastern Nebraska Wildland Fire Academy, set for November 6-10 in Ponca. This academy aims to prepare the state's predominantly volunteer fire departments-92.3% of Nebraska's fire departments are volunteer-run-to respond to wildfires effectively. It also welcomes any Nebraskans, not a member of a volunteer fire department, who are interested in becoming wildland firefighters.
The academy offers a range of courses, from basic and advanced wildland firefighter training to rapid extraction for medical emergencies, all designed to equip volunteers to manage wildfires in their own communities and assist elsewhere when needed. As Eric Moul, NFS Fire Management Specialist, explains, the eastern side of the state often lacks access to the training resources available in western Nebraska, where wildfire risk is higher. "It's critical to have people trained here so they're on the same page as the VFDs in the west," Moul said.
Art Robertson, a volunteer firefighter from Hickman who has attended both Eastern and Western Wildfire Academies, highlights the value of this specialized training. "It's a completely different environment with hazards and tactics we don't encounter in structural fires," he said. Training also prepares firefighters to handle prescribed burns more safely, reducing risks to both personnel and property.
Red card certification, essential for higher-risk areas in the west, is also valuable for eastern Nebraska. Volunteers with this certification can be called to support firefighting efforts statewide, especially in major incidents like this year's Betty's Way Fire, which burned nearly 70,000 acres. According to Moul, this experience broadens firefighters' skill sets and readiness for real wildfires.
The academy is also critical for training volunteers to handle the unique challenges of the wildland-urban interface in eastern Nebraska. Higher population densities increase the chances of fires starting, and these areas demand quick, effective responses. Robertson noted the dangers of light fuels in areas south of Lincoln, where winds can rapidly turn a minor fire into a serious hazard. "It can become a big deal really fast if people aren't familiar with what's going on," he warned.
Another benefit of the academy is networking, as volunteers from different districts share experiences and best practices. "There's huge networking value," Robertson emphasized. "You're around others who aren't in your direct area, which builds awareness of what's happening across districts." Ultimately, the Eastern Nebraska Wildland Fire Academy is empowering volunteer firefighters and citizens statewide, strengthening their skills and connections to protect communities better. For more information on courses and to learn how to register, visit nfs.unl.edu.
