NEFF_May2025

WWW.NSVFA.ORG The Official Publication of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association

REACHING MORE THAN 8 , 50 0 NEBRASKA FIREFIGHTERS EACH MONTH May 2025 • Vol. 18 - No. 7

Firefighters from Neligh, Elgin, Clearwater, Pierce and Atkinson participated in state sanctioned training on March 30. See more photos inside. Photo by Carrie Pitzer of the Antelope County News.

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2 • Nebraska Firefighter • May 2025

Fire chief called it in

By Mason Dockter, Sioux City Journal

South Sioux City pallet yard consumed by raging inferno Officials in South Sioux City have provided an update on the fire that occurred at Meyer Mulch on Old Sawmill Road on April 9. In a release from Fire Chief Doug Koopman, the fire started around 6:30 p.m. Koopman says the flames spread quickly and consumed the entire building when the fire department arrived.

Fire crews from Dakota City, Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Ponca, and Homer all responded to the scene.

Chief Koopman says the blaze was brought under control in about three hours, and firefighters remained on the scene for several more hours, extinguishing hotspots. There were no injuries to civilians, but two firefighters were taken to the hospital with nonlife-threatening medical emergencies. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but a State Fire investigator has been called to help determine the cause.

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Doug Koopman, the South Sioux City fire chief, was driving home from dinner at around 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday when he saw smoke coming from a pallet yard on the Old Sawmill Road.

Something was amiss.

“I live in the area, and as my wife and I were coming back from grabbing supper – we drive past it every day – and I’m like, ‘Hey, there’s smoke in the back of that building there let’s go check it out,” Koopman said.

He was quickly joined by South Sioux City Councilman Jasper Kriens, who works nearby.

“He saw it, and he came in right behind me,” Koopman said.

They called it in.

There was no one working at the Meyer, Inc. pallet yard, 532 Old Sawmill Road, when the fire broke out. The stacks of pallets and lumber fueled what quickly became a raging inferno; it was, as Koopman described it, “by far

the largest fire that we’ve had” since he became fire chief about 18 months ago.

Billowing, black smoke was visible for miles. The main building was entirely consumed by the time crews arrived.

Fire and rescue crews from South Sioux City, Dakota City, Ponca, Homer, Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff responded to the fire, along with South Sioux City Police, Dakota County Sheriff’s deputies and emergency management and utility workers.

Koopman said the responding agencies worked well together.

“Everybody did a really, really good job,” he said.

Fire crews remained on the scene more than 12 hours, finally departing Thursday.

A Nebraska state fire investigator has been called in to examine the remains of the pallet yard and determine a cause of the fire. A dollar-figure for the damage has not been established.

Two firefighters were transported to the hospital for what Koopman described as non-life-threatening medical emergencies.

May 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 3

Fire Prevention Nebraska Style The Crucial Imperative of Fire Prevention During Summer Months As the sun stretches its rays longer and temperatures rise, the onset of summer brings with it an unique set of joys and challenges.

Among these challenges, one of the most critical is the increased risk of wildfires. With dry conditions, gusty winds, and human activities like camping and barbecuing, the summer season often serves as a tinderbox waiting to ignite. Hence, the importance of fire prevention during these months cannot be overstated.

Every year, wildfires wreak

Upcoming Events Email your Upcoming Event by the 10th of the previous month (ex. Aug. 10 for the September issue) to jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com . There is no charge.

MAY 16-18, 2025: Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association Fire School, Grand Island, NE. JUNE 7-8, 2025: SFM – Training Division Course – Wildland Urban Interface Firefighters for Structural Company Officers (F0610), 715 S. Jeffers, North Platte.

JULY 10, 2025: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Scottsbluff (Rural).

JULY 19, 2025: Annual Bob Tichota Fire Prevention Fun Day, hosted by East Central Nebraska Fire Prevention Coop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fremont State Lakes.

AUG. 9-10, 2025: SFM – Training Division Course Incident Command Systems for Structural Collapse Incidents (F0322) Course, Epply Airfield, 5111 Boeing Ct, Omaha.

SEPT. 21, 2025: 2025 Fall Firefighters Memorial Service.

OCT. 9, 2025: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, West Nebraska Regional Airport (Annual Meeting).

OCT. 16-18, 2025: NSVFA Annual Conference, Kearney.

JAN. 8, 2026: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, West Nebraska Regional Airport (Annual Meeting).

APR. 9, 2026: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Alliance.

JULY 9, 2026: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Banner County.

OCT. 8, 2026: Scotts Bluff County Mutual Aid Association Meeting, Bayard.

havoc on communities, ecosystems, and economies worldwide. In the United States alone, millions of acres of land are scorched, homes destroyed, and lives lost due to these infernos. While some wildfires are sparked by natural causes such as lightning strikes, a significant portion are humancaused and, thus, preventable.

Summer activities like camping, bonfires, and fireworks increase the likelihood of accidental fires. Negligence, such as leaving campfires unattended or discarding cigarette butts improperly, can quickly escalate into catastrophic blazes. Additionally, activities like off-road driving or using equipment that generates sparks can inadvertently ignite dry vegetation, leading to rapid fire spread.

Beyond the immediate dangers to life and property, wildfires have far-reaching consequences for the environment and public health. The smoke produced by wildfires contains harmful pollutants that can exacerbate respiratory issues and contribute to poor air quality, affecting communities miles away from the blaze. Furthermore, the destruction of natural habitats disrupts ecosystems, displaces wildlife, and increases the risk of soil erosion and flooding.

Given the dire consequences of wildfires, proactive fire prevention measures are paramount, particularly during the summer months. Here are some crucial steps individuals and communities can take to mitigate the risk of fire: 1. EDUCATE AND RAISE AWARENESS: Knowledge is the first line of defense against wildfires. Educating the public about the causes of wildfires, the importance of fire safety, and the potential consequences of negligence can empower individuals to make responsible choices.

2. PRACTICE SAFE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Whether camping, grilling, or enjoying recreational activities outdoors, always follow fire safety guidelines. Use designated fire pits or grilling areas, keep flammable materials away from open flames, and never leave fires unattended.

Properly extinguish fires by dousing them with water and stirring the ashes until cold to the touch.

3. OBSERVE BURN BANS AND RESTRICTIONS: During periods of high fire danger, authorities may impose burn bans or restrictions on outdoor activities like campfires and fireworks. It is crucial to heed these regulations and refrain from activities that could inadvertently spark a wildfire.

4.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR: If you observe suspicious behavior or signs of a potential fire hazard, report it immediately to local authorities.

Early intervention can prevent small incidents from escalating

Rhonda Cerny, NSVFA Fire Prevention

into major wildfires.

CREATE DEFENSIBLE 5.

SPACE: Homeowners living in wildfire-prone areas should create defensible space around their properties by removing dead vegetation, maintaining a fire-resistant landscape, and ensuring proper clearance between structures and flammable materials 6. PREPARE AN EMERGENCY PLAN: In the event of a wildfire, having an emergency plan in place can save lives. Establish evacuation routes, assemble emergency supplies, and stay informed about wildfire alerts and evacuation orders issued by authorities.

7. SUPPORT FIRE PREVENTION EFFORTS: Advocate for policies

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“... the importance of fire prevention during the summer months cannot be overstated. By practicing vigilance, responsible behavior, and community cooperation, we can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of wildfires”

and initiatives that prioritize fire prevention, fund wildfire mitigation efforts, and support firefighting agencies. Volunteer for community clean-up projects or join local fire prevention organizations to make a tangible impact.

In conclusion, the importance of fire prevention during the summer months cannot be overstated.

By practicing vigilance, responsible behavior, and community cooperation, we can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of

wildfires. As stewards of the environment and guardians of our communities, let us prioritize fire prevention efforts to ensure a safer, more resilient future for all.

Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you at the Nebraska State Fire School, hopefully in the Fire Prevention Class!

RHONDA CERNY, NSVFA Fire Prevention Committee

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4 • Nebraska Firefighter • May 2025

State sanctioned training

State sanctioned training led by Nebraska State Fire Marshal Training Specialist Bill Pfeifer took place on Sunday, March 30.

Firefighters from Neligh, Elgin, Clearwater, Pierce and Atkinson participated. Photos by Carrie Pitzer/Antelope County News.

Smokey Sez sez

By BOB HECKMAN

This month’s article is dedicated to the memory of Kenneth Bahr, Dacota City Vol. Fire Dept.

12/2/2023.

This article is written at the request of the Nebraska Forest Service. As of several weeks ago, over 30,000 acres have burned with an alarming number of fires. The Nebraska average for wildland/grass and 90% are HUMAN caused, NATIONAL average around 80 to 85. If you have a state park in your fire district, work with them on informing campers about fire safety. Working together we can TRY to drop our numbers in the human causes for fires.

Train your department members on your policies and S.O.G. on fighting wildland fires.

Now is the time to train your members on your equipment, this includes everything from taking heavy trucks off road driving to driving four wheel drive trucks.

The National weather service is predicting a hot dry summer.

Last of all, please report your fires to the Nebraska Forest Service, if you don’t report and want to know how to report them..... please reach out to me with your email address and I will get you help you want my address is heckmanbob1@ gmail.com.

This month’s spotlight is on Kearney Vol. Fire Dept. 272 square miles, 55 volunteers, last of all 400 fire calls per year.......

Fireman Bob proudly serving Plattsmouth Fire and fire depts. across Nebraska.

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A classified ad in the Nebraska Firefighter!

Email jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com to get your truck moving fast!

FIRE SCHOOL IS JUST AHEAD

For ADDRESS CHANGES CONTACT: 402-761-2211 Fax: 402-761-2224 staff@nsvfa.org

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May 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 5

2025 Browning Memorial Recipient The 2025 Browning Memorial Award Recipient is Colson Hicks from North Platte. Colson is 6 years old and is the son of Cody and Taylor Hicks and grandson of Jason Hicks, who is a member of the Palisade Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

Colson was born Dec. 6, 2019.

Colson was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Sturge-Weber is a rare, neurological disorder present at birth, characterized by a port-wine stain birthmark on the forehead and upper eyelid on one side of the face. The birthmark can vary in color from light pink to deep purple and is caused by an overabundance of capillaries (small blood vessels) around the trigeminal nerve just beneath the surface of the face. Sturge-Weber syndrome is also accompanied by abnormal blood vessels on the brain’s surface and the loss of tissue (atrophy) with deposits of calcium (calcification) in the cerebral cortex of the brain on the same side as the birthmark. Sturge-Weber syndrome rarely affects other body organs.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, also called KTS, is a rare disorder found at birth (congenital) involving problems in the development of certain blood vessels, soft tissues (such as skin and muscles), bones and sometimes the lymphatic system. The main features include a red birthmark, atypical vein or lymphatic development (malformations), and overgrowth of tissues and bones.

Colson began to experience seizures almost immediately after birth and continues with them today. Colson is seen regularly at Children’s Hospital for treatment of seizures and testing to monitor the progression of the disease. A few obstacles that Colson has been faced with in just four short years: So far Colson has had two surgeries, a few laser treatments, a week-long EEG, and several MRIs to monitor bleeding and calcifications on his brain. Colson has been flown to Children’s Hospital in Omaha multiple times for extensive seizure activity. After a year of no seizure activity, Colson began having seizures again in February 2024. He still continues to follow up regularly with Neurology, Ophthalmology, Orthope-

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dics, and ENT/Audiology. A case study has been opened in hopes of helping future families navigate through diagnoses like Colson’s. He continues to meet with his multidisciplinary team that consists of Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Speech, and Resource.

Colson is starting second year Pre-K in fall of 2024. Colson is the happiest, funniest, most wild little boy despite the circumstances. Colson never lets anything stop him and is always determined to figure things out one way or another!

Colson will be recognized at the 2025 Nebraska State Fire School

in Grand Island on May 16, 2025 during the Opening Ceremony.

The special Recognition Committee would like to make this a special day for Colson.

We are asking all Fire and Rescue departments, auxiliaries, individuals and anyone that would like to bring something for Colson that day.

Colson wears a size 5-7 t-shirt.

If you have any questions, please give me a call or text!

MARLENE BOMAR, Special Recognition Committee member 402-992-1561 mbomar126@gmail.com

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6 • Nebraska Firefighter • May 2025

NSVFA Officer Directory President SCOTT SCHREMMER 815 W 6th, Chadron, NE 69337 308-430-1494 buffhater@gmail.com 1st Vice President BRENDA JENNY 1767 Colfax Street, Blair, NE 68008 402.639.9647 bgolf2560@yahoo.com 2nd Vice President TROY SHOEMAKER 1433 Grove Ave Alliance, NE 69301 308-760-7682 tshoemaker@cityofalliance.net Secretary/Treasurer MARK MEINTS 502 E H St, Wymore, NE 68466 402-806-7451 meints2@windstream.net Legal Advisor RYAN K. MCINTOSH PO Box 186 Syracuse, NE 68446-0186 ryan.mcintosh@bhhslawfirm.com Lobbyist GERALD STILMOCK P.O. Box 186 Syracuse 68446 402-269-2081 • Office jerry.stilmock@bhhslawfirm.com Past President SHAD BRYNER PO Box 154, Hemingford, NE 69348 308-760-3341 sbryner@bbc.net

District Directors #1 DARRELL VANCE 1415 Q St, Gering, NE 69341 308-631-0053 DarrellVance1230@gmail.com #2 JOHN BOMAR P.O. Box 222, Battle Creek, NE 68715 402-992-1560 JBomar1970@gmail.com #3 RON CHADA 1721 N Sheridan North Platte, NE 69101 308-520-2828 rmchada@winnelson.com #4 KENNY KRAUSE 1229 D St. Fairbury, NE 68352 402-300-0097 krausechief@gmail.com NSVFA Representative National Vol. Fire Council JUSTIN SCAMEHORN 202 Hidas Ave. Waco, NE 68460 402-366-1939 jscamehorn@yahoo.com Appointed NVFC Director JOEL CERNY 1618 Denver St. Schuyler 68661 402-720-4100 cerny_j@hotmail.com Chaplain MATTHEW MAU Cell: 402-363-1540 E: pastormattwaco@gmail.com

NSVFA Officer OFficer Reports By the time you read this we will all be at Fire School. I hope we have a great one as I have seen that many of the classes were full by the first of April. I see that Fonner Park is almost done with the new motel and casino, so please be mindful of that while attending this year as there will most certainly be more pedestrians around and the traffic will surely increase. They have assured us that it will not affect our fire school but use this as a reminder that there will be more activity around the school this year. Please remember that you should never “AND I MEAN NEVER” move any of the vendor tables at fire school as they are set with deep care and devotion!! Hope that helps Rod! The officers are going to make this trip a double duty stop at the fire school this year as we are going over to Kearney and have a pre-conference meeting with them to see how all is coming

along and to finalize most of those meetings. I can’t wait to see what all they have in store for us, as it will be very memorable for me. We will have more to talk about the conference after next month and hopefully many of you can attend this year. I also want to take this time to thank Dakota City for graciously taking the time to host the 2026 conference. I’m sure that Clint and the crew will have another great weekend for us.

The fire chief’s symposium was a great success this year, Crawford was a very gracious host and the speaker was terrific.

I was glad to see the breakout sessions with folks from around the table to work out some tactics.

It really made the class more of a hand’s on than a sit back and listen. I really hope to see more of these classes from the chiefs.

The entire group seemed to enjoy it, I really hope that everyone there had the opportunity to

NSVFA Fire School: A Hub for Lifelong Learning

are budding volunteers or seasoned professionals looking to sharpen their skills. The classes, led by experienced instructors and industry experts, provide invaluable knowledge that is directly applicable to the challenges faced by first responders in the field.

Networking and Building Stronger Teams Beyond the educational opportunities, the NSVFA Fire School fosters a sense of community among participants.

Firefighters and EMTs from various departments come together not only to learn but also to share experiences and build lasting relationships.

This atmosphere of fellowship is crucial for personal and professional growth, as it allows attendees to exchange ideas and strategies that can enhance their effectiveness as emergency responders. The connections made during these three days can lead to lifelong friendships and collaborative efforts that benefit local communities.

Additionally, the event showcases a variety of vendors, providing a platform for attendees to explore the latest tools, equipment, and technology in the

For firefighters and EMTs, continuing education is crucial to staying ahead in a fastevolving field that requires knowledge, skills, and readiness at a moment’s notice. One of the most valuable opportunities for both new and experienced first responders is attending the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association (NSVFA) Fire School. Held every May, this event provides a wealth of benefits that can significantly enhance firefighting and EMT abilities, improve safety standards, and foster a sense of community among emergency responders.

Attendees can look forward to an extensive curriculum featuring 29 classes covering all facets of firemanship, including fire investigation, rescue operations, fire safety, and emergency medical services (EMS). This diverse range of offerings ensures that firefighters and EMTs of all experience levels can find courses tailored to their needs, whether they

Scott Schremmer, President “I also want to take this time to thank Dakota City for graciously taking the time to host the 2026 conference.

I’m sure that Clint and the crew will have another great weekend for us.”

speak to the instructor, and if not, he will be at fire school again this year. Brian is a knowledgeable down-to-earth type of guy and will spread his wisdom with all.

Again, please reach out to all your members and let them know how to access the Nebraska Firefighter. To view please log in, the password is FIRE2025, and please remind your entire mailing list of this.

By the way, can anyone tell me how many members were on

the rattle watch team in the first known firefighting system?

As always please stay safe and God bless the Volunteer.

SCOTT SCHREMMER, President

Brenda Jenny 1st Vice President “The 88th Annual Nebraska Fire School is more than just a series of classes; it is an essential gathering that equips first responders with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to excel in their roles.”

firefighting industry. This handson experience allows firefighters and EMTs to better understand the resources available to them and how they can improve their operations. The presence of vendors also creates an opportunity for networking, with many companies eager to engage directly with the firefighters and EMTs who will be using their products.

CONCLUSION: A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

The 88th Annual Nebraska Fire School is more than just a series of classes; it is an essential gathering that equips first responders with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to excel in their roles. As the event approaches, the NSVFA

and Fire School Committee encourage all firefighters and EMTs to take part in this unparalleled opportunity to enhance their capabilities and strengthen the bonds within the firefighting community. Even though pre-registration has closed, you can still attend by registering on site. So please mark your calendars for May 16-18, 2025, and prepare for a transformative experience at this year’s fire school!

I hope to see you at Fire School.

Until next time, stay safe and healthy!

BRENDA JENNY 1st Vice President

Alcohol a factor in Lincoln Co. accident

The Lincoln County Dive Rescue Team recovered a vehicle submerged in the South Cottonwood Road Canal. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the singlevehicle accident Monday, April 7, at 6:54 a.m. A resident who lives near the canal reported the accident. When deputies arrived, they found a Ford 150 truck submerged in the canal with no one inside. The dive team, with the assistance of Ron’s Towing, pulled out the truck from the canal Monday. Deputies later found the driver with minor injuries. Patrol Lieutenant Dan Newton said alcohol was a factor in the accident. Charges have not been filed against the driver.

NSVFA Officer OFficer Reports INCREASE VOLUNTEER TAX CREDIT LB 115 AND FUNDING FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE/ RESCUE DEPARTMENT RADIOS LB 25 and LB 62 The Appropriations Committee continues to develop the budget for the next two years. By the time you are reading this, the heavy lifting by the Committee, as well as the Legislature, may have been completed. As tight as the State’s budget appears to be, it may be difficult to obtain an increase in the tax credit amount and additional funding for interoperable radio grants.

More information will be shared during next month’s article.

SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES LB 398

One of the priority bills identified by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee this year is LB 398. As amended, the bill would reduce the cost of different types of specialty license plates, including organizational

specialty license plates selected by some first responders. The charge of $70 would be reduced to $40 beginning Oct. 1, 2025.

The plate entitled, “Nebraska Serious Injury and Line of Duty Death All Response Team,” is one of the organizational plates already in law. The motor vehicle license plate is available to those that may be serving as volunteer first responders or by citizens simply wishing to say “Thank you” to the firefighters and EMS members.

The legislation must still pass two rounds of debate and receive approval from Governor Jim Pillen.

ASSAULTS ON FIRST RESPONDERS

This is a trip down memory lane to revisit current Nebraska law which provides for enhanced criminal penalties for assaults against Nebraska’s first responders. It is troubling to read of news across the country of assaults committed against first responders while risking their lives in responding to emergency calls. A recent news report out of New Hampshire identified that an individual was facing multiple

charges after law enforcement stated he pulled a gun on two firefighters trying to evacuate him from a burning apartment building.

Firefighters received a 911 call reporting the fire, and upon the arrival of the firefighters, fire and heavy smoke were coming from multiple windows. The point – this was a well-involved fire encompassing a great portion of the apartment complex. The report states that as firefighters were trying to evacuate residents, they were confronted with an individual refusing to leave. In the first responders’ attempt to evacuate him, it was reported that the individual pulled a gun on the firefighters, pointed it at them, and stated he wasn’t going to leave. It was reported the man was arrested without further incident.

This event, as recounted recently in national news, took me back to 2014 when then Senator Steve Lathrop introduced legislation to enhance the criminal penalties for assaults against volunteer and career first responders. The Associations presented testimony in support of the legislation and shared

Legal Advisor’s Report I was recently contacted by a volunteer firefighter asking for the qualifications to be a board member of a rural fire protection district. He was told that you must be a property owner in the district. As we approach the time of year annual meetings occur, this is time for a good refresher.

As I have discussed in previous articles, elections must be held every other year pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 35-506 (2).

Rural and Suburban Fire District Board of Directors must have five members, each with fouryear terms, with either two or three directors up for election each year, depending on how

the terms are staggered. There may not be more than five board members.

Board members must be registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the district. This excludes municipalities which have not merged with the district. If a board member moves into town mid-term, and that town is not merged with the district, then the board member must resign.

The board member is not entitled to finish his or her term. To reiterate, board members must be registered voters. There is no requirement for board members to own real estate.

There are also certain requirements for the residence of board members. If the district contains more than one township, each township should be represented on the board of directors unless there are more than five townships within the district. If there are more than five townships in the district, then no township may have more than one board member elected. In case of a vacancy on account of resignation, death, malfeasance, or nonfeasance of a board member, the remaining members of the board must fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. The person appointed to

May 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 7

Gerald Stilmock, Lobbyist “One of the priority bills identified by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee this year is LB 398. As amended, the bill would reduce the cost of different types of specialty license plates, including organizational specialty license plates selected by some first responders.”

with the senators at the time of the Committee hearing that there was an incident in Nebraska in 2007 when a volunteer firefighter, while responding to a fire in Ashland, was shot during the attempt to extinguish the fire.

First responders are placed in a situation where they move toward danger, rather than away. Yet, it appears that the frequency in which assaults on first responders occurs throughout the country is increasing.

Fortunately, the legislation was adopted in Nebraska in 2014. The hope, of course, is that assaults on first responders has been reduced in Nebraska because of this law.

This body of law was recently discussed by the Legislature as there is legislation being considered to enhance the criminal penalties for assaults against pharmacists and employees of hospitals or health

Virtual Classroom soon after the 1st.

A joint initiative of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and U.S. Forest Service, WFAP trains fire service volunteers to properly conduct assessments for homes located in the wildland-urban interface and provide recommendations to residents on how to protect their property from wildfires. The program features many resources to help departments conduct home assessments, including: • Training – Take a free online four module course or request in-person training for your community.

• Toolkit – This train-thetrainer resource can be used to teach others the fundamentals of performing home assessments in

communities that are susceptible to wildfires.

• Assessment Tools – Access resources including a checklist and data-tracking system for your home assessment campaign.

• Supplemental Resources – Utilize customizable documents to implement and market the WFAP program in your community.

Justin and I will have some of the Wildland Assessment Checklists available at the NVFC table at Nebraska Fire School.

One last paragraph about the OSHA 1910.156 issues. The NVFC’s OSHA Task Force held a meeting on the 15th of April where we discussed the latest information coming out of a meeting that NVFC representatives met with the

FINISHING UP

The Legislature is scheduled to complete its work for the year on June 9, which is the conclusion of this 90-day legislative session.

Undoubtedly, there will be much to report on next month.

You can track legislative activity by going to the legislative web page, www. nebraskalegislature.gov.

JERRY STILMOCK, Lobbyist

Ryan K. McIntosh, Legal Advisor “Board members must be registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the district. This excludes municipalities which have not merged with the district. If a board member moves into town midterm, and that town is not merged with the district, then the board member must resign.”

fill the vacancy shall be from the same area as the person whose office is vacated, if possible, otherwise from the district at large.

I encourage all of you to attend the annual meeting each year and be involved. Represent your department and be informed on

NVFC Reports Sitting in front of my laptop today pondering on what to write my article about this month, when the NVFC Dispatch email came through and reminded me that May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, and May 5 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. You can get ready now by preparing your department’s volunteers through the NVFC and the U.S. Forest Service’s joint initiative, the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP). Plus, register for a free Roundtable Talk, Educate Your Community on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, taking place on May 1 at 2pm ET. Now I know this is pretty late notice for getting registered for the talk but it will be available in the NVFC

clinics. The Associations are tracking this legislation, but they have not taken a position of support or opposing the legislation. The action item on this year’s legislation for the Associations is to ensure that there are no changes to the enhanced penalties for criminals committing assaults against first responders.

the actions of your district. As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

RYAN K. MCINTOSH, Legal Advisor

Joel Cerny, NVFC Director “May 5 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. You can get ready now by preparing your department’s volunteers through the NVFC and the U.S. Forest Service’s joint initiative, the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP).”

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The IAFF would like to see the proposed standard implemented as written for all fully paid fire departments and the NVFC would like it to be implemented in a tiered approach with Combination and fully Volunteered departments only required to meet parts of the Standard. Of course, this will take some time to get hammered

out for all to agree and not everyone will ever be totally satisfied. Stay tuned for further information and if needed we will try to get a Constant Contact sent out to keep you informed.

Hope to see of you later this month in Grand Island at Fire School and as always stay safe.

JOEL E. CERNY, NSVFA Director to the NVFC

8 • Nebraska Firefighter • May 2025

Acts of heroism Northeast Nebraska is fortunate to have so many people who put others before themselves.

It’s part of what makes this corner of the state a great place to live and work.

Volunteer firefighters make up a group of people deserving of our gratitude for their continued

dedication to serving their communities.

These are individuals who have families and full-time jobs yet decide to devote much of their time and energy to making our communities safer.

Besides the commitment to responding to emergency calls

on a daily basis, these people put in countless hours of training to ensure they are able to adequately serve.

This heroism was on display again recently following a serious crash east of Meadow Grove.

Three volunteer firefighters who are also Madison County

Norfolk vehicle fire

Norfolk Fire and Rescue responded to a vehicle fire on April 14.

employees - Travis Amen, Dan leave your homes, you leave your Evans and Jared Jacob - gave families and put yourselves at lifesaving aid to a Tilden woman risk for others. So we very much who was injured in the accident, appreciate your effort.” which occurred on March 11.

We agree. It’s important to Amen and Evans work for the acknowledge the sacrifice made by county’s roads department, and volunteer firefighters, especially Jacob is a corrections officer. amid a time when many of these Amen and Evans volunteer for departments are shrinking. the Meadow Grove Volunteer Fire Many people find it difficult to Department, and Jacob volunteers commit to the time required for for the Neligh department. training and responding to calls, The three men were on their especially with the demands of way to medical training in Norfolk working families. paid for by Madison County (the The age of volunteer firefighters county pays for CPR training for also is increasing, and departments its employees) when they came are finding it harder to attract across the accident. The Tilden younger members. woman was eventually extricated Increased training requirements from her vehicle and taken to and the changing nature of the a hospital. A Madison County job can also deter people from Sheriff’s Office lieutenant said the volunteering, according to the woman is still alive today because National Volunteer Fire Council. of the action taken by Amen, Further, the cost of equipment Evans and Jacob. and training also can be a burden The three were presented with for some communities, according certificates of service at a recent to the NVFC, and the lack of pay meeting of the Madison County for volunteer firefighters can be a Board of Commissioners. disincentive.

Madison County commissioner Fortunately, despite the Troy Uhlir said everybody forgets challenges faced by volunteer fire about fire and rescue personnel departments, we are still regularly until you need them. reminded of the positive impact “You dial 911, and you want these volunteers have on their them to show up,” Uhlir said. communities.

“Those outlying com- munities, (Norfolk Daily News, Norfolk, they’re all volunteers. You guys Apr. 15, 2025) SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Wednesday, May 14th 11:00am

Fire School Committee Meeting

Thursday, May 15th

8:00am - 5:00pm

Vendor Setup

(Vendor sales begin Friday at 7:00am) 11:00am

NSVFA Board Meeting

Registration and packets pickup not available until Friday at 7:00am

Friday, May 16th 7:00am

Registration Open

Pre-Registration Packets to be Picked-up before 11:00am

88 NEBRASKA th

STATE FIRE SCHOOL

FONNER PARK - GRAND ISLAND, NE

MAY 16-18, 2025 BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

A $35.00 Park a

7:00am - 6:00pm

Vendor Exhibits Open

9:00am

Opening Ceremonies

11:00am

Area Representatives Meeting

11:00am

Instructors Meeting

11:00am - 1:00pm

Lunch

Your c progra differen Wherev on your honora only upo and th our

The Ne weap

Served to all registered persons with meal tickets, extra meal tickets may be purchased at registration desk

1:00 - 4:00pm

Classes in Session

6:00pm

Vendor Exhibits Close

Saturday, May 17th 7:00am - 4:00pm

Vendor Exhibits Open

8:00am - 3:00pm

Classes in Session

11:00am - 1:00pm 3:30pm

Staggered 1 hour Lunches NE Fire Chiefs Association Meeting

4:00pm

Vendor Exhibits Close

4:30pm

Catholic Church Services

4:30pm

All Faith Services

5:00pm

(Buildings for Vendors & Classes)…Closed

Sunday, May 18th 8:00am - 11:00am 11:00am

Classes in Session 2025 NE Fire School Closes

No Vendors -- Lunch will NOT be served Sunday

If you h with Dis to Fire

The NS free fro the bas disabi

Certain and s physica of exer not p physici w

May 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 9

Fire School 2025 Fonner Park Construction On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Fire School Committee members attended a meeting with officials from Fonner Park, and Grand Island Visitors Bureau concerning the construction progress that continues at Fonner Park. The casino, hotel, and parking area are now open on the north side of the Heartland Event Center (HEC). Ongoing construction in this area continues, which will impact traffic flow.

The Pump Operations class on Saturday will be in the area north and west of the casino around the Grand Island Field House, we will have this area flagged off and it is located on the attached map.

Fire school attendees should use the south parking lot. The area in front of the buildings we use for the Introduction to Firefighting, and SCBA Class is closed. New drainage systems are being installed, and paving work is in progress. So, there will be considerable traffic in this

area, as well. Students should use the grass parking lot area west of the buildings. Entrance will be from Fonner Park Blvd. See the attached map.

The vendor set up and the main entrance to the Exhibition Building are not impacted by the construction so that remains the same. Opening ceremonies and the lunch area will be in the HEC as in the past. The HEC is under the new management of VENU Works and they will be providing catering for fire school and offsite lunches for Saturday.

So, please understand there are several new working partnerships with the Fonner Park campus, Grand Island Visitors Bureau, Casino, HEC, and Fire School.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

The Fire School Committee and NSVFA would also like to thank Fonner Park and the Grand Island Visitors Bureau for all their cooperation and continued support in planning, and delivery of fire school.

Sincerely, Say Safe.

PAT GOULD, Fire School Director

Pickup fire near Cedar Bluffs

At 1 a.m., on April 8, the Cedar Bluffs Fire Department was paged out to a vehicle fire at Hwy 77, just south of County Road W. Upon arrival, a fully involved pickup was located.

10 • Nebraska Firefighter • May 2025

COLLABORATION PRODUCES RESULTS

By JERRY KNAPP and KEVIN KROGH

boundaries can provide you numerous rewards.

Specific Purpose: to show how collaboration benefits everyone.

FIREGROUND

The advantages of collaboration where highlighted in a brilliant Fire Engineering editorial “A Seat At The Table Keeps You Off The Menu” (Nov 2024) by Chief Dave Rhodes.

In part he writes, “So much of the fire service culture revolves around the kitchen table and the meal. Away from our stations and homes are the great tables where discussions are held and, decisions are made, policy is developed, and a host of other things happen that effect our day to day life and work.

Having a seat at the table where this takes place is an essential part of progress and success. Not being at that the table means that your perspective, experiences and knowledge are not intertwined in the discussion and are potentially left of out consideration on any decision that impact your ability to perform your work.”

At the station, you don’t need to be invited for a seat at the kitchen table, it is open to members: open, continuous collaboration whether you asked for it, want it or not it is there.

But collaboration outside the fire house takes effort because the invite is not always open to you.

The purpose of this article is to show how collaborating with others especially outside our fire service can lead to great accomplishments and also assist your professional development and advancing your career. A note…what is important in this article is how you can use these successful examples, failures and experiences. With a little effort, you may be surprised to find yourself working with others resulting in wonderful and unforeseen positive consequences for yourself and your organization and maybe our entire American Fire Service.

Collaborating outside the Fire service takes personal drive and an aggressive personality equally mixed with positive and respectful behavior. It is personally and professionally very rewarding, sometimes risky and or frustrating (you may fail or hit road blocks) and takes significant effort both mental and physical.

Chief Rhodes continues “This is not the sexy part of the job.

There is only metaphorical smoke. The fire may surface as a heated debate. And frankly, your average firefighter type wants no part of it.”

The purpose of this article is to examine a real tactical fireground experience that led to very successful collaborations.

Benefits were reaped by many and with long term benefits with some benefits that are still developing years later. Reaching outside your normal professional

The explosion sent us each about 35’ across the yard, Captain Patterson in one direction me in another. In a micro second, I am on hands and knees, burned, blood drips from my face, pooling on the street and very confused. Am I dead? Where is my Captain? How could this happen to me? I thought I knew all I needed about natural gas emergencies. We survived, due only to the grace of God. For months after, my rational brain was mad. My emotional brain was a mess. How could this happen to me? I was very well trained, Chief of my county hazmat team, I fully understood the hazards of explosive gases, it is not even toxic, I knew my 4 gas meter as well as anyone and I had been to hundreds of gas leaks, nothing ever happened. What did I do wrong? Collaboration helped me figure it out. The bottom line: most FF including myself have a huge training gap regarding tactical response to explosive gas emergencies. It took collaboration to fix it.

COLLABORATION BEGINS

Counseling (my first collaboration) fixed the emotional trauma, teaching me to control it, saving my marriage and very probably my life.

Kenny similarly recovered and returned to duty. The journey was dangerous, could have been disastrous but turned out ok thanks to this collaboration called counseling.

Start your collaboration for any problem or issue with discussions with friends and coworkers. Collaboration does not need to be aimed at resolving near death experiences, strategic or tactical errors. It can simply be to resolve any issue you may have, a new policy you want to develop, new tools, etc.

Dan Moran, our hazardous materials Deputy Rockland County NY Fire Coordinator, a good friend and better listener and I talked about the incident, a lot. Collaboration #2, Dan has a very open mind, he was a research chemist and open to creative thought, very creative, very beneficial attitude for productive collaboration. Simply, Dan helped me figure out this very complex incident. We found out that there were several very important factors about gas leaks I did not know. How could I not know these things?

Like many other FF across the US, this specific area of my training was weak. Pls see previous FE articles for details.

During a phone conversation with Bobby Halton, I explained my obsession with finding how this could have happened to me.

Without skipping a beat and his usual quick wit, he suggested this was good and a positive effect of post traumatic growth.

Hummm….post traumatic growth, I would never had known about this without this conversation that had untold

Deputy Chief Buckheit (second from right) and his staff preview the Tactical Response to Natural Gas Emergencies training and facilities at the Rockland County NY Fire Training Center. positive results. Good things can happen from bad experiences if you journey thru the process positively. Though thoroughly unplanned, collaboration #2 with Chief Halton yielded critical progress though the destination was still not clear. Not sure where this will end but progress.

An important lesson learned: Trust your gut feelings and if it feels good just keep driving on.

Also important to note, you may not know where or when the trip will end.

By this point I was firmly convinced I (and our FS) needed better training on strategy, tactics, air monitoring and action levels during responses to explosive gasses. I was also lacking a thorough understanding of the gas distribution system, underground migration, high pressure transmission lines, gas industry best practices and maybe most importantly our explosive gas detectors.

COLLABORATION OUTSIDE THE FIRE SERVICE

Armed with the new found knowledge that my training was inadequate the next logical step was to try to fix it. Who can provide better training on gas emergencies to firefighters?

Well, the gas utilities of course!

Well let’s say the local utility were just not cooperative or responsive to my proposals, requests and recommendations.

They provide awareness training which is all that is legally required in NY. Collaboration (#3) with the utility; not so successful or productive, first dead end. Lesson learned, not all your collaborations will result in progress toward your goal.

Ignore those that do not help you and move on.

CHOOSING COLLABORATORS

So who has the power to improve training? How and can I collaborate with them? In this example, all states have regulating agencies for utilities,

One side of Leak St at the Rockland County NY Fire Training Center, simulating a residential street with numerous natural gas and propane leak scenarios built with settlement funds from a near double LODD incident. Using our design, Leak Streets will be funded by PSC for every training site in NY State as a result of our collaboration. gas, water, electric, cable tv, etc. In NY, it is the Public Service Commission, Dept of Public Service. Collaboration #4 coming up. I made a few phone calls, explaining my situation, what Dan and I learned about the training gap, and suggesting more and better quality training is required to prevent bad outcomes like mine. Suddenly we had a date to meet the wizard!

The wizard that had the power to help solve the problem as we saw it. Critical point here: be prepared to provide solutions to the problems you present.

Without solutions you be viewed as a whiner and complainer, not a problem solver. Have your recommendations in a row, in concise brief-able format…..

BEFORE you see the wizard.

MEET THE WIZARD

You never know what type of reception you might get while reaching outside or even inside the fs. This reception was hugely positive! The PSC was concerned about some other responses by NY firefighters in the past several years to utility

emergencies that were less then successful, some resulting in disasters. Thus our connection was now on common ground and both us and the PSC were poised to make progress. The psc however were very honest and said they were not sure what to do about it. Perfect…. “I may have a solution for you.”

Dan and I had prepared a very professional briefing. So there we were, literally in the ivory tower on the 19th floor briefing the suits, engineers, safety officials, attorneys from the agency that regulates all NY utilizes and has strong influences over them. Far out of our Fire Service sphere of influence. We were collaborating with the authorities that had the power to make positive changes!

Still, not sure where this is going, but it feels good. We provided a possible solution for all of us to consider and develop: build a full scale training site at my training center.

This first look behind the Wizard’s curtain was very SEE COLLABORATION, PAGE 11

May 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 11

Collaboration successful, great discussion that looked positive. They asked us back in 2 weeks for another meeting to brainstorm solutions giving us time to refine our proposals. While sipping coffee waiting for the second meeting to start, a chief in full class A dress asks if I am Jerry Knapp? John Buckheit, a Deputy Chief from FDNY: stated he had read several articles on tactical response to explosive gases I had written in FE and wanted to talk to me. Holy cow, I would never have seen this coming but a great coincidence based on collaboration with Fire Engineering magazine!

DC Buckheit was tasked to re-write FDNY’s gas response SOP. He attended our meetings and provided great support to our basic premise that training needed to improve for firefighters especially for natural gas emergencies. The FDNY perspective definitely influenced the PSC leaders in many, very positive ways leading to better results! Lesson learned: bring expert and respected supporters with you to meetings.

We developed a positive relationship and John invited us to work with his Research and Development division at FDNY which we eagerly embraced.

From these meetings we learned about new natural gas detectors that used laser technology that FDNY was experimenting with and doing testing to select one for their use by field units. In the following months, I introduced these same units to the 26 FDs that the Rockland County NY Fire Training center supports. Now, most FDs in Rockland County and our Hazmat Team use these to provide, quicker, safer size up for natural gas emergencies.

Collaboration with DC Buckheit led to vast improvements in many department’s daily responses to releases of explosive gasses (natural gas and propane). A success I never even imagined.

It was at this second meeting with the PSC (utility regulators) we learned the utility was fined $150,000 for violating their response procedures resulting in our injuries and near double LODD. In NY this is called a negotiated settlement and the money was going back to the utility so they could make a training video. PSC has no way to spend the fines they levy.

We all know that ff need hands on training to develop brain and tactical muscle memory….. “so what do you propose Chief Knapp?” asks the wizard? “We need to build Leak St…a full scale training site where ff can practice what they learned in the class room to improve their response to releases of explosive gas” was my answer. To be honest, during my discussions with other utility trainers across the nation (collaboration #4) revealed they have similar large scale training aids to train their gas technicians…so why not for the FDs? If that is the way gas technicians are trained, why should FF training be any different? Same mission: life safety, same explosive gas, same scene, etc. We have some unused space at our fire training center

FROM PAGE 10

that was perfect for Leak St. FDIC COLLABORATION

FE and FDIC have always been great places to get world class training and I was fortunate enough to be a repeat instructor for both hands on and classroom training. Next collaboration: To present my Tactical Response to Natural Gas Emergencies at FDIC. Selected as a 90 min. classroom presentation I did this for 2 years with a third in the “big room” something I never expected, but much more to come.

After my FDIC talk, two very professional gentlemen, clearly not firefighters, ask if they could speak to me. Of course, I thought I was on the verge of being, sued, hung or tortured. We met in a quiet corner of the convention center with a very congenial, professional and pleasant conversation. Mr. Tom Lochner, owner of the firm that has exclusive rights to distribute gas detection instruments (Firecraft.

Safety Products and Mr. Scott Klepe, president of Sensit Technologies, the company that manufactures both the laser based detector, metal oxide based explosive gas detectors and others used by utilities and fire departments nationwide.

They asked if I would work for them doing this exact class. My response was sure, but how do we proceed? They respectfully asked for a proposal which they quickly approved for training nationwide.

Base on this collaboration I have had the wonderful opportunity to help FDs across our country to improve their explosive gas response procedures and provide it at no cost to them at their station! Win for me, win for the FS and for Firecraft and Sensit. Another spin off benefit for the entire Fire Service of this collaboration is Firecraft has an excellent test program so after I conduct training for a fd, they can get a gas detector they choose for a 30 day free trial.

Hesitant to turn into a salesman, I sought advice from Bobby Halton. He explained that FE provides world class training because of its collaboration with businesses that make products for our fs and advertise in FE. Bobby explained …. How else could FE be of such great benefit to our FS? Collaboration!

To date I have shared my lessons learned at FDIC since 2022, at my county training center, several national and state conferences, in 10 states trained I have trained approximately 52 FDs a total of 1,800 fire officers and firefighters.

FORCE MULTIPLIER

Force multiplier is a term our military uses to describe tactical actions, equipment or strategies that can increase the impact a unit can have on the enemy without increases in manpower or equipment. Collaboration can be a force multiplier resulting in increased success of your own efforts.

The NY Public Service Commission applied some, let’s call it motivation to gas utilities after numerous less than adequate

Albany NY FD members being trained in explosive gas response by National Grid trainers. responses, strategic and tactically deficient response by utilities and FDs in NY and in fact across the nation. One utility, National Grid responded by creating a training branch to improve training for first responders. Their mission statement summarizes the goal: “National Grid is dedicated to the safety of our first responders and the communities we serve through education and utility training”.

NG built into a rate increase to customers a small amount to fund this effort. First step was to select a manager that had a thorough understanding of both the fire and utility sides. Kevin Krogh, Manager of Technical Training Division, developed an excellent gas emergencies training program for fds with the help of his team. Kevin has 39 years experience with both National Grid and 39 years as a Volunteer FF with Ballston Spa FD, serving as 18 years in the Fire Chief ranks and was a perfect choice.

Kevin then selected his training team carefully chosen with backgrounds like his own with expertise in both emergency services (FD, PD) and the gas industry. Training covers: understanding natural gas, flammable range, gas distribution system and of course response procedures.

To encourage FDs to take this training, NG provides a laser based METHANE gas detector free of charge after FDs take the class. These laser based units have a 100’ range to detect natural gas at a distance keeping firefighters safe during size up and vastly improving speed and efficiency or responses to explosive gas emergencies.

TRAINING SUCCESS

To date, this team has trained over 7,500 first responders to include FF’S and Law Enforcement and have trained almost 400 FD’s in the Upstate New York region.

Result of this collaboration, stimulated by previous efforts…. better trained and equipped firefighters.

The Albany NY FD has reaped the benefits of this collaborative training. Chief of Department Joseph W. Gregory explains:

The mobile electrical training prop under development by National Grid.

“Over the past several years, National Grid has led our Firefighters through hundreds of hours of classroom and handson tactical training related to gas and electric emergencies.

This type of training is critical on numerous levels. The preparedness that our members achieve through these sessions can change and make the ultimate difference in preventing a situation from quickly turning deadly. In closing, I cannot understate the value of the training that the Albany Fire Department has received from National Grid related to gas and electric utility emergencies. We plan to continue utilizing their essential training opportunities, and I would undoubtedly recommend this training program to any Fire Department looking to take their situational preparedness training tactics to a higher level.

Based on the success of this program, National Grid is expanding the training to include electrical emergencies. Training teams bring realistic examples of gas and electric distribution systems to local fire stations.

SUMMARY

We have shared how collaboration was successful in this one example of our craft and how it benefits the fire service both locally and nationally.

Additionally, thru FDIC and Fire Engineering I have made

so many fire service friends with vast amounts of experience and expertise I can call on for other issues, tactical, strategic and yes, sometimes personal advice.

The success of your collaboration depends on your willingness to get outside your familiar circles, seek out and meet the wizard and benefit from it. Not all the contact you make will be positive, simply ignore those. Reach back out to those that are cooperative and develop not only fire service friends but life long professional contacts that benefit everyone. Often your path will not be a straight line or one you may have envisioned.

Often, by collaboration, you will have unimaginable success.

Jerry Knapp is the Chief of the Rockland County, NY Hazmat Team, and is a 49 year veteran Firefighter/EMT with the West Haverstraw NY Fire Department.

He served on the technical panel for the UL residential fire attack study. Knapp is the co-author of two books: House Fires and Tactical Response to Explosive Gas Emergencies published

by Fire Engineering He is the owner of Suburban Tactical Inc specializing in fire officer and firefighter training.

12 • Nebraska Firefighter • May 2025

Wildland Urban Interface: A Growing Concern

By JARED TRENT

The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is a well-known term in the wildland firefighting community as well as in areas where wildfires are common occurrences; however, many communities and fire departments around the nation still do not understand what WUI is nor mitigation strategies to preserve life and property if a wildfire becomes established in their area.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines WUI as the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. It is the line, area, or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. At the time of this writing, the Palisades Fire, a 15,000 acre fire on the outskirts of greater Los Angeles, has destroyed roughly 5,000 structures and has claimed the lives of at least five people.

Unfortunately, this story is all too common; the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) has calculated that global fires occurring in WUI areas has increased by 23% from 2005 to 2020. In the United States, WUI area has grown by 31% from 1990-2020.

WUI fires are not relegated only to western states such as California or Montana; the Jones Creek Fire, a 3,770 acre wildfire that started on July 13 2023

around the Loess Hills State Forest in Iowa, destroyed outbuildings on a private residence as well as structures within the park itself. A 2022 wildfire in Lancaster County, NE burned over 9,000 acres, destroying five structures, and injuring three firefighters with one firefighter being severely burned. With residential and commercial expansion into natural areas, wildfires within the WUI are becoming much more frequent, forcing both structure and wildland firefighters to create new strategies to mitigate loss and be proactive in creating fire resilient communities in these areas.

Strategies for mitigating both structure and life loss within these areas has been the adoption of fire-adapted communities and structure triage. The National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG), the group that establishes national interagency wildland fire operations standards, has created actionable steps that communities can achieve to reduce the risk of loss from wildfires. The plan outlines risk reduction by two main categories: ignition resistant structures and zone-delineated landscapes. Within the plan, the NWCG breaks down residential structures to individual components (i.e. roof material and design, gutters, eaves, vents, siding, decks, fencing, etc.) and gives best practices on making these areas as ignition resistant as possible. The NWCG also outlines three distinct ignition

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landscape zones from 0-100 ft of the structure for reduction in fuel load, arrangement, and continuity. These actionable steps can greatly reduce loss from wildfire within WUI. Unfortunately, creating fireadapted communities and using ground and aerial resources to combat wildfires does not seem to be enough. Firefighters are also tasked with structure triage in areas where the wildfire is

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Fire Science courses offered: Emergency Medical Services • Firefighter I & II program offerings: • Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations/Technician

• Hazardous Materials Chemistry • Hazardous Materials Operations • Company • EMTOfficer/Instructor and paramedic courses • Rapid Extractionfrom Modulethe Support (Wildland RIT) and Technician • Courses National • RopeAssociation Rescue and Repelling Awareness/Operations/ • Fire Investigation I and II of EMT (PHTLS, AMLS) Technician • Fire Protection Systems • Tactical EMS courses • Confined Space Rescue/Trench/Grain Bin Rescue • Firefighter I and II • Courses from the American Heart • Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations (CEVO) • Incident Command System Association (BLS, ACLS, PALS) • Annual Weekend Fire School, continuing education • Legal Aspects of opportunities Emergency Services To learn more, call 531-MCC-2400 • MCC also offers refresher courses or visit mccneb.edu/fist.

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SKILLED TRADES AND TECHNICAL SCIENCES

most likely to go due to wind, terrain, and fuel drivers. During extreme wildfire conditions, saving every structure may not be possible; to help firefighters communicate to command a list of structures that are able to be defensible, many agencies have developed structure triage and defense guides.

The triage guide is broken down into three categories: Not Threatened, Threatened Defensible, and Threatened NonDefensible. A non-threatened structure is one that has a safety zone nearby or on site, composed of bare soil, where all resources can gather in the event that fire behavior becomes too dangerous to engage. A non-threatened structure is also typically made of materials that are unlikely to ignite and is surrounded by maintained landscaping with a very low fuel load. A threatened but defensible structure is one that also has a safety zone nearby or on site but is made of construction features or landscaping that requires firefighters to implement structure defense tactics. A threatened and non-defensible structure is one where there are no safety zones nearby, the structure has material and/or landscaping issues that make fire defense tactics unsafe, and fire activity in the area make it dangerous for firefighters to implement structure defense tactics. Once triage is completed, this information will be relayed to command/division supervisor via radio and virtual mapping; physical confirmation (paint, flagging, etc.) will also be placed at the end of the driveway to let other resources know to move on to the next structure.

Once you identify structures that are defensible you then have to create a plan to defend

the structure. Your plan may be one in which you “prep-and-go” or “stay-and-play.” This plan may include establishing folda-tanks, portable water pumps, installing sprinklers on roofs and fence lines, and structure wrap.

It is best practice to back in equipment to allow quick escape, close all doors and windows, turn off gas lines, turn on interior and exterior lighting, check and mark hazardous materials, coil and charge all lines and sprinklers connected to portable pump, remove grass, shrubs, and other combustible materials from the property, place owner’s ladder on corner of structure facing away from flaming front, know your primary and alternate escape routes, be sure to leave reserve water for emergencies, and develop trigger points to aid in decision to withdrawal to your safety zone.

TRAINING HOMEWORK:

Drive to a wildland urban interface structure in your area.

Give you and your crew a time limit to develop a structure triage and defense plan that includes all equipment and tools that you would need to be able to defend the structure and surrounding property. How many ft of varying sized hoselays do you need?

How many rolls of structure wrap and accompanying tools do you need? What type and how many reducers, gated wyes, nozzles, sprinklers, portable water pumps, fold-a-tanks would be necessary? Would you need to remove receptive fuels on the property? Are the gutters clear of combustible debris?

All of these questions and more should be written down and a plan developed in a relatively short amount of time (roughly 30 minutes).

May 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 13

Local Firefighters Provide Support at Dempsters Fire In Beatrice Firefighters from Fair- bury Rural Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request from Beatrice Fire and Rescue on Friday, March 19, to help battle at the old Dempsters Manufacturing facility in Beatrice. The building was heavily damaged. Some firefighters were still at the scene as of Monday, March 24, and could be seen spraying water on the building.

While fire department personnel initially contained the blaze, it quickly spread to the middle of the compound before being extinguished in the early hours of Saturday, March 22, 2025. A partial demolition of the building was then conducted to remove a section of the structure near Highway 77/6th Street. This area was deemed a safety concern due to the risk of collapse onto the street.

According to the City of Beatrice, “The fire, which initially began in a semi-trailer located at the back of the property, is being investigated as incendiary.

This classification indicates that the fire was deliberately started, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The Fire Marshal has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be provided

HOME OF

as they become available.”

Representatives for the city clarified that it does not own the entirety of the Dempsters property, “As such, the city is currently limited to addressing immediate public safety concerns. The city is actively working to acquire the entire property through the foreclosure process, with the long- term goal of demolishing the existing

dilapidated structures and safely disposing of any hazardous materials that may remain.”

In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) successfully removed thousands of gallons of old diesel fuel and other hazardous materials from the site. Any debris from the current demolition will remain on-site while the city continues to collaborate with both the EPA

and the Nebraska Department of Environmental and Energy (NDEE) on the proper disposal of these materials.

The city issued thanks to those who provided support, including Beatrice Fire and Rescue, the Beatrice Police Department, and the City’s Electric, Street, Engineering, Water, and Community Development Departments. We also express

our gratitude for the mutual aid provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, Gage County Sheriff’s Department, Gage County Emergency Management, Fairbury Rural Fire Department and the Beatrice Rural Fire Department.

As of press time the investigation is ongoing.

(Fairbury Journal News, Fairbury, Mar. 26, 2025)

Ainsworth hosts refresher class

Ainsworth Fire Department hosted the annual RT-130 (Wildland Fire/Red Card) Refresher Class on April 15 with 30 firefighters out of various departments and services present. Training was provided by Justin Nickless and Chad Blado from the Nebraska Forest Service.

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14 • Nebraska Firefighter • May 2025

O’Neill house fire

On March 20, at 8:41 p.m., O’Neill Volunteer Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a house fire on West Fremont Street in O’Neill. The first engine arrived on scene at 8:49 p.m. The fire started on the exterior of the house and got into the eaves spreading to the attic. Crews quickly got water on the fire, but the south wind fanned the flames throughout the attic which led to a failure to the roof structure. There was extensive damage to the home. The fire was extinguished, and crews began returning to the station a little after 11 p.m.

Dads Lake Fire Ignites at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Local and federal fire officials have responded to a growing wildfire at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in Cherry County, NE. The Dads Lake Fire was reported shortly after noon on Friday, March 28.

Smoke from the Dads Lake Fire was visible in the area and area residents were encouraged to monitor local news and heed warnings, including evacuation

orders, from local fire and law enforcement officials.

The Dads Lake Fire ignited near Dads Lake on the refuge and burned in grass.

Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the fire expanded to the south and east as a result of strong north winds with gusts of up to 31 mph.

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is located in the heart of the Sandhills in north-central

Nebraska.

The Refuge protects native grass prairie found in the hills, meadows, wetlands, lakes, marshes and valleys, and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.

The Refuge was established by Congress in 1935 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.

(Ainsworth Star Journal, Ainsworth, Apr. 2, 2025)

May 2025 • Nebraska Firefighter • 15

Ravenna training

Kearney Volunteer Fire Department assisted Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department with some training on March 22.

What’s an inch tall and can move a fire truck?

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Email jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com to get your truck moving fast!

Crews called to Seward fire

A fire broke out in the sawdust collection area of Hughes Brothers, Inc. The fire was contained to that area of the building. Seward Volunteer Fire Department were to the scene at 10:20 a.m.

Wednesday, April 16. Matt Stryson, a spokesman for Hughes Brothers, said they were doing maintenance on the roof and one of the sawdust collection bins caught fire. Fire departments for Milford, Staplehurst, Garland, Goehner and Tamora were on the scene during the day. At 4 p.m. firefighters were still searching for possible hot spots. Stryson said the power was shut off to the affected area of the building and employees were evacuated with no injuries. Stryson said the fire departments were on top of it quickly, extinguishing flames shooting from the building.

16 • Nebraska Firefighter • May 2025

Wildfire north of Maxwell forces calls for evacuation Eighteen area fire departments battled a wildfire that charred 8,800 acres 12 miles north of Maxwell on North Maxwell Road, Wednesday, March 26.

Property owners were notified to evacuate twice and the evacuation order was lifted at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday evening.

Nearly 14 square miles were burned in the fire that started near the private GrayBull Golf Course.

A spark from a welder is believed to be the cause of the fire according to Maxwell Volunteer Fire Chief Cody Seamann.

Norfolk extrication training

Norfolk Fire and Rescue took part in three days of extrication training at the end of March.

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Firefighters were called to the scene at about 2:00 p.m.

The first evacuation order was issued at 3:08 p.m. for North Maxwell Road near GrayBull Golf Club to U.S. Highway 83.

That order was rescinded at 5:40 p.m.

The second evacuation order, from GrayBull Club to Niedan Road, was issued at about 6:20 p.m. and lifted at around 7:40 p.m.

The homes of Jon and Molly Walz, Todd and Lyndi Walz, Rex and Kristy Walz, and Rex and Jeana Hanna were among those threatened.

Jon Walz said they lost a little over three sections of grassland and three quarter of a pivot, but none of their good windbreaks.

“I had started the pivot south of Rex and Jeana’s house to help get the cover crop started because of the heat and drought.

I truly believe God had a hand in it because if the pivot had not been on aunt Jeana’s house would have been gone.”

The fire was fueled by strong, shifting winds and tall vegetation.

Ranchers were able to stand ground at the former Steve Nowak place and save native trees, corrals, and an outbuilding.

“We know the area neighbors who came with discs were at the right spot at the right time and if they hadn’t been there it would have been a different story.”

Others reported to have land owned in the path of the fire were Bud and Chris Harvey and V.J. Brosius.

Farmers were able to turn pivots on and also credited for helping with containment.

The North Platte Regional Airport, Nebraska Game and Parks, the Nebraska State Patrol, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Salvation Army, Lincoln County CERT, Region 51 Emergency Management and Wallace Aviation helped area fire departments and volunteers.

No injuries, loss of live- stock or structures were reported to the newspaper.

(Stapleton Enterprise, Stapleton, Apr. 3, 2025)

Chad Sitorius 308 529 3499 · chads@fyr-tek.com Bill Grossnicklaus (Western NE) 308 962 4266 · billg@fyr-tek.com Paul Tigges (Eastern NE) 308 529 5670 · paul@fyr-tek.com

Please send them to jeff@nebraskafirefighter.com

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