Biggest wildfire in Nebraska history continues to burn out of control
Three main wildfirestogether with the most important one in Nebraska history, have burned round 600,000 acres of land in central and western Nebraska and remained 0% contained on Sunday after killing one particular person, officers stated.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has declared a state of emergencyreleasing up extra assets to battle the blazes. Pillen has additionally deployed Nebraska National Guard troops to help native firefighters.
Two Nebraska Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters are additionally working to combat the blazes, officers stated.
The “Morrill Fire,” pictured right here, March 15, 2026, has burned greater than 460,000 acres in Morrill and Arthur counties, Nebraska, authorities stated.
Nebraska Forest Service
The Morrill Fire has consumed greater than 460,000 acres throughout Morrill, Arthur and Keith counties, making it the most important wildfire in Nebraska history, officers stated. The hearth killed one particular person on Thursday in Arthur County, Pillen stated at a information convention on Saturday.
The Cottonwood Fire has burned about 100,000 acres in Dawson County close to town of Gothenberg, Nebraska state officers stated, whereas the third hearth burning is the Road 203 Fire in Blaine and Thomas counties, close to the village of Halsey, which has burned greater than 40,000 acres, state officers stated.
All of the fires had been 0% contained as of Sunday, officers stated.
TO cross country storm Bringing snow to different components of the Midwest on Sunday is predicted to carry dry and windy situations to the areas the place the fires are burning, making the battle much more of a problem for firefighters.
An aerial picture taken, March 13, 2026, of a wildfire burning in Dawson County, Nebraska.
Nebraska State Police Troop D
“The winds are supposed to be extraordinary,” Gov. Pillen stated at Saturday’s information convention.
Pillen referred to as on mayors of Nebraska’s largest cities, Omaha and Lincoln, to present extra personnel and gear. The governor stated he would additionally contact close by states, together with Iowa, to request assist.
Both the Lincoln and Omaha hearth departments stated they’re sending personnel and gear to battle the blazes.
“Our hearts go out to the residents of Keith County,” stated Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr., in accordance to Omaha ABC affiliate KETV. “Omaha stands ready to support our neighbors. By deploying these resources, we are providing critical relief to local crews while ensuring that our own city remains fully protected and staffed for local emergencies.”
After taking a helicopter tour on Saturday of the areas the place the fires are burning, Gov. Pillen stated, “I think it’s important that all Nebraskans pray.”
