Nebraska leaders to give wildfire response update

Press release

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska officials are expected to provide an update on the state’s wildfire response Monday during a briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center inside the Joint Forces Headquarters in Lincoln.

Emergency management leaders will first hold a briefing on the latest firefighting efforts and how crews are working to contain the fires. A news conference with several state leaders involved in the response will follow.

Gov. Jim Pillen is expected to join Lt. Gov. and Homeland Security Director Joe Kelly; Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard; Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director Erv Portis; and other state agency leaders.

News Channel Nebraska will stream the update live at 3 p.m. on TV, the NCN app, website and social media platforms.

Watch live: https://metro.newschannelnebraska.com/watch

The update comes as firefighters continue battling several large wildfires across Nebraska, including the Morrill and Cottonwood fires in the western part of the state.

According to a Monday morning update, the Morrill Fire has burned 572,804 acres and the Cottonwood Fire has burned 122,144 acres, and both remain 0% contained.

Officials say cooler temperatures, scattered snow and higher humidity helped slow fire activity Sunday, though crews continue working to secure fire lines and prevent flare-ups.