Fire Academy addresses need for more wildland firefighters

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.