Progress in Nebraska wildfires: Morrill Fire 67% contained, Halsey fire returns to local control
Crews report gains across multiple fires, though conditions remain critic
NEBRASKA — Fire crews are reporting progress on major wildfires across the state, including increased containment on the Morrill Fire and a transition back to local control for a central Nebraska blaze.
Morrill Fire
The Morrill Fire, the largest in the state, has now reached 67% containment after burning 643,361 acres across Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Keith and Grant counties.
The fire started March 12 after a downed power pole and line in gusty winds near Angora.
Crews continue working to secure containment lines while monitoring interior hotspots, including areas west of Jeffrey Reservoir where unburned pockets are still producing smoke. Those areas remain within the fire’s perimeter.
Officials warn that fire danger is not over. Red Flag conditions, warm temperatures and breezy winds are expected to continue, with stronger winds and near-record heat possible heading into the weekend.
Halsey-area (203 road fire)
A wildfire near Halsey is now back under local control.
The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three transferred command at 8 a.m. Thursday after the fire reached about 36,000 acres and 80% containment.
Federal drone operations helped map the fire’s perimeter and detect remaining heat. Local crews will continue patrol and begin suppression repair.
Cottonwood Fire
The Cottonwood Fire is estimated at 128,036 acres and is now 78% contained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Crews are monitoring interior pockets of unburned fuel that continue to produce smoke while reinforcing containment lines.
Anderson Bridge Fire
The Anderson Bridge Fire near Kilgore remains at 17,400 acres and 60% contained, with no significant change reported.
State officials say the fires have heavily impacted agriculture. The Morrill Fire area alone supports grazing for more than 35,000 head of cattle.
In total, four major fires have burned about 1,300 square miles across Nebraska — an area larger than Rhode Island.