LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN/KSNB/KNOP/WOWT) – Four major wildfires are burning across Nebraska, collectively scorching more than 700,000 acres of land statewide. One person has died as a result of the fires.
Four active fires
- Road 203 Fire — South of the communities of Halsey and Dunning within the Nebraska National Forest. The fire has burned approximately 35,814 acres and remains 0% contained. Officials say 160 personnel are assigned to the fire, along with two aircraft, 24 engines and heavy equipment. The fire reportedly originated due to a federal burn.
- Lincoln County Fire (Cottonwood Fire) — South of I-80, near Brady and Gothenburg. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. Residents of Jeffrey Lake have been ordered to evacuate. This fire has burned 122,144 acres.
- Morrill County Fire — North of Nebraska Highway 92, between Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lake McConaughy. The fire has burned 572,804 acres, making it the largest wildfire in state history and among the 30 largest wildfires in U.S. history. Gov. Jim Pillen said the fire was caused by an electrical fire sparked by high winds. One person has died as a result of this fire — 86-year-old Rose White of Arthur. Pillen said Saturday she died while trying to escape the fire.
- Anderson Bridge Fire — West of Valentine.
Officials give update on wildfire response
Pillen said that over 400 volunteer firefighters, from both in and out of state, as well as 47 National Guard members are working diligently day and night.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and Adjutant General Craig Strong held a press conference Monday addressing the state’s response to ongoing wildfires in central and western Nebraska. As of the briefing, 47 Nebraska National Guard soldiers and airmen were deployed in support of firefighting efforts, including two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets that conducted 68 water drops Saturday, delivering more than 46,000 gallons of water. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds also sent two additional Blackhawk helicopters and crews, which arrived Saturday evening. The Rocky Mountain Incident Command Team — described as more than 2,000 personnel — was activated Saturday afternoon to support local fire chiefs, who retain command authority.
The Morrill Fire, described as the largest of the active fires, has burned through nearly 600,000 acres — grazing land that supports an estimated 35,000 cattle. Officials said up to 350,000 acres burned within an 18-hour period at the height of the event.
Gov. Pillen said he spoke with the White House Friday afternoon and that a federal disaster declaration was being prepared. Officials confirmed the federal response has not been affected by the partial government shutdown.
Officials said the fire remains in a high-risk period, with no definitive turning point identified. Nebraska State Forrester John Erixson said containment depends on stabilizing fire lines across an estimated 200-mile perimeter around the Morrill Fire, with shifting winds continuing to test those lines. Gov. Pillen said strategic fire lines are being considered around communities that could face direct threat. Resources from Utah were delayed by a storm that shut down portions of I-80 in Wyoming but arrived Saturday night with assistance from Nebraska and Wyoming departments of transportation.
Four major wildfires are burning across Nebraska.(Watchduty.org)
How to help
Officials say people who want to support wildfire relief can contribute through the following organizations:
- United Way of Western Nebraska – They have a relief fund set up and 100% of donations are going to meet needs caused by the fires.
- Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund — The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund announced on Monday that they are accepting monetary donations and relief applications to assist beef cattle producers who are being impacted by fires.
- American Red Cross Nebraska Region — Assisting residents affected by the fires, including operating a shelter at the Brady Community Center in Brady for displaced individuals. The Red Cross is also partnering with local organizations to support a respite center in North Platte, where firefighters can stop between shifts for meals, snacks, showers and rest.
- The Salvation Army — Raising funds to support both firefighters and families impacted by the fires.
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