Firefighters make progress on four Nebraska wildfires that have burned more than 750,000 acres

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN/KSNB/KNOP/WOWT) – Firefighters have made progress containing four major wildfires that have burned more than 750,000 acres across Nebraska.

Watch continued live coverage of the wildfires in the video player above. If viewing on a mobile app, tap the link to watch live: www.1011now.com/livestream/

Firefighters expect fire activity to increase Tuesday. A Red Flag Warning has been in effect since this morning. Northwest winds are expected to reach 50 mph with temperatures in the 70s.

Four active fires

• Road 203 Fire — South of the communities of Halsey and Dunning within the Nebraska National Forest. The fire has burned approximately 35,386 acres and remains 36% contained. Officials say 153 personnel are assigned to the fire, along with one aircraft, 22 engines and six 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 131,259 acres and is currently 40% contained. A total of 216 personnel are assigned to the fire.
• Morrill County Fire — North of Nebraska Highway 92, between Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lake McConaughy. The fire has burned 572,084 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. The Morrill Fire is currently 18% contained. Officials say 200 personnel are currently assigned to the fire.
• Anderson Bridge Fire — West of Valentine; the fire is 60% contained and 17,400 acres have burned according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Four major wildfires are burning across Nebraska.(Watchduty.org)

Update on wildfire response

Crews took advantage of the break in the wind on Monday to make significant gains in containment of the Cottonwood and Morrill fires. Crews continue to ground-truth estimated perimeters to increase mapping accuracy on the fires.

The Cottonwood fire was mapped from the air on Monday, allowing for a more accurate perimeter. Firefighters on the ground coordinated with Nebraska and Iowa National Guard Black Hawk helicopters making bucket drops to check fire activity around Jeffrey Reservoir in Division A, where thick stands of red cedar are holding heat.

Today crews will continue to work on the north side of the fire while patrolling, mopping up and strengthening fire lines throughout the perimeter.

On Monday, crews completed the containment line on the southwest side of the Morrill Fire in Division TT. Today crews will focus their efforts on areas of active fire while strengthening containment lines and mopping up.

Strong winds forecast Tuesday will likely keep aircraft grounded, but an initial attack group is in place to quickly respond to any new starts. Night crews will continue patrolling both fires.

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 Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief Fund – This fund will go to people primarily in the counties of Garden, Morrill, Arthur, Keith and Grant to assist in disaster recovery. A local grants committee will accept grant assistance applications and determine awards based on need.
• 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.

Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.