Fast-moving wildfire spreads from Morrill County into Garden County, evacuations underway

MORRILL COUNTY, Neb. — A fast-moving vegetation fire that started Thursday afternoon northeast of Bridgeport has spread into Garden County as powerful winds continue to impact the Nebraska Panhandle.

The fire was first reported near County Road 11 and County Road 112 in Morrill County, northeast of Bridgeport and north of Broadwater. Authorities say the fire has grown rapidly and moved east into western Garden County.

Emergency alerts were initially issued warning residents to prepare for a possible evacuation.

The first alert warned of a wildfire moving east through western Garden County and urged residents between Roads 70 North and Road 92 to prepare in advance for possible evacuation.

A second alert issued at approximately 4:11 p.m. expanded the warning area.

“SOUTH CRESCENT LAKE TO RD 82 NORTH CENTRAL GARDEN COUNTY PREPARE TO EVACUATE,” the alert stated.

Officials now confirm evacuations are underway for residents ahead of the advancing fire in Garden County.

Authorities say the fire has been tracked from the Angora area and has spread as far as eight miles east while continuing to move.

Agency assist was requested from the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department at 2:02 p.m. as crews from multiple departments responded to the fast-growing blaze.

The fire is burning during an ongoing high wind event across the region. Wind gusts exceeding 70 mph have been reported in the area, creating extremely dangerous fire conditions and allowing the fire to spread rapidly.

Wheat Belt Public Power District reported a power outage near the Covalt Substation north of Broadwater due to the fire. Officials said crews working with local fire departments made the decision to terminate power to the area for safety reasons.

Reports from the area also indicate downed power poles in Bridgeport causing additional outages.

The strong winds are also creating hazardous travel conditions. A News Channel Nebraska reporter said a semi tractor-trailer was blown over near the junction of Highway 26 and Highway 285.

Emergency responders from multiple departments are working to contain the fire. Information about the total acreage burned or any structures damaged was not immediately available.

A second vegetation fire was also reported shortly after 3:30 p.m. in Scotts Bluff County near County Road 28 and Highway 26 near Minatare.

This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel Nebraska for the latest.