Gering Fire responding to over four fires in one week

GERING, Neb. The Gering Fire Department has seen a huge increase in their response to fires.

In over a week, the department has responded to over four structure fires and several grass fires.

The department has responded to 50% of fires or related calls and 50% relating to medical. Medical is usually at 65%.

Chief Nathan Flowers states that it is the perfect time to update or create a fire safety plan.

These plans are similar to a school drill. There needs to be two ways out of every room. Smoke detectors need to be active with one on each floor. Ideally if you can, have one in each room. Re-evaluate cluttered areas and keep it away from utility rooms, furnaces and hot water heaters.

Make sure to discard smoking materials appropriately. Limit using power tools on red flag warning days. Use a common sense approach.

Chief Flowers says they do not need anything at this time. Use your resources to help local businesses.

“We are adequate enough at this time,” said Chief Flowers. “I do suggest maybe reaching out to the community and support our community. We have a lot of people that have lost their jobs or on unemployment. A lot of businesses have had to change their tactics so instead of coming to us, please donate to those businesses and support those businesses.”

The department had to suspend their fire patrol operation. This is used as a fire prevention program for 5th graders.

If you have any questions, you can call the department at (308) 436-2441 or send them a message through Facebook.