Gov. Pillen to tour wildfire damage in western Nebraska, meet with officials in Keith County

OGALLALA, Neb. — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen will visit wildfire-impacted areas in central and western Nebraska as firefighting efforts continue across the region.

According to the governor’s office, Pillen plans to take an aerial and ground tour of areas damaged by the ongoing wildfires before meeting with federal, state and local officials for an update on response and suppression efforts.

State officials say four major wildfires are currently being tracked across Nebraska.

Those include the Road 203 Fire south of the communities of Halsey and Dunning within the Nebraska National Forest, which is being managed by federal authorities due to its location.

Another major fire is the Lincoln County Fire, also known as the Cottonwood Fire, burning south of Interstate 80 near Brady and Gothenburg.

The Morrill County Fire — the largest currently burning in the state — is located north of Nebraska Highway 92 between Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lake McConaughy.

Officials say that fire has burned more than 453,000 acres.

A fourth blaze, known as the Anderson Bridge Fire, is burning west of Valentine.

Pillen’s visit comes as firefighters from across the region continue working to contain the fires, which expanded rapidly amid strong winds, dry fuels and Red Flag conditions across much of the state.

Officials are expected to discuss wildfire impacts, ongoing suppression efforts and coordination between local, state and federal agencies during the briefing.