Nebraska wildfires near 828,000 acres as crews work multiple fires across the state

Press release

PANHANDLE, Neb. — Updated mapping shows a significant increase in the reported size of the Morrill Fire, as multiple wildfires burning across Nebraska have scorched about 828,000 acres, though officials say the change is due to more accurate data rather than new fire growth.

The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 said a mapping flight, the first since Sunday evening, added more than 71,000 acres to the Morrill Fire’s footprint. Officials emphasized the increase does not reflect growth that occurred Tuesday.

Despite strong winds, officials said neither the Morrill nor Cottonwood fires grew notably beyond their current perimeters Tuesday. Fire activity remained within established boundaries as crews continued suppression efforts.

Firefighters are working along the edges of both fires, constructing fire lines and extinguishing hot spots. Structure protection remains in place, and crews continue staffing both fires overnight. Resources are also available to respond quickly to any new fires in the area.

On the Morrill Fire, gusty winds caused unburned vegetation within the perimeter to ignite, particularly on the eastern and southeastern sides. Crews responded to flare-ups and kept the fire within its current boundaries despite reduced visibility from blowing dust, smoke and ash.

On the Cottonwood Fire, fire activity increased in the southeastern portion during a period of strong winds, but officials said existing containment lines held. Crews continue working in rugged areas where heat remains, including using hand crews to access areas engines cannot reach.

A red flag warning remains in effect Wednesday from 11 a.m. MDT to 7 p.m. MDT due to hot, dry and windy conditions.

As of the latest update, the Morrill Fire is estimated at 643,361 acres and 16% contained. The Cottonwood Fire remains at 131,259 acres and 40% contained.

Officials also remind the public that temporary flight restrictions remain in place over both fires, prohibiting unauthorized aircraft, including drones.

The Road 203 Fire is estimated at 35,913 acres and 76% contained.

Firefighters made steady progress Tuesday, increasing containment as fire activity decreased. Officials say a smaller group of resources will begin managing the fire Thursday as its complexity lessens.

Crews will continue monitoring containment lines and patrolling the area. Firefighters are using UTVs to access areas where engines cannot reach and extinguish remaining heat within the fire perimeter. Unmanned aircraft systems are also being used to detect heat along uncontained areas using infrared technology.

A red flag warning remains in effect from noon to 8 p.m., with temperatures in the mid-70s, west-southwest winds of 6 to 13 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Relative humidity is expected to drop between 20% and 25%.

The Anderson Bridge Fire, located off Anderson Bridge Road north of the Niobrara River and south of Kilgore in Cherry County, is estimated at 17,400 acres and 60% contained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.