OSHKOSH, Neb. — Fire activity on the Morrill Fire remained minimal over the weekend as crews continued to strengthen containment lines and monitor for lingering hotspots across western Nebraska.

According to Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1, the fire is now 98% contained after burning more than 642,000 acres across Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Keith and Grant counties. The fire, which stretches more than 80 miles, was sparked March 12 by a downed power pole and line during gusty winds near Angora.

On Saturday, firefighters reported little to no active fire behavior. Crews working on the southern portion of the fire north of Oshkosh suppressed minor interior activity without any issues to containment. In the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area, no heat was detected in previously uncontained sections.

Firefighters remain actively engaged, patrolling both the perimeter and interior of the fire. Crews are working to identify and extinguish any remaining hotspots, with the assistance of drones to locate heat sources that may not be visible or accessible on the ground.

Officials say the fire remains fully staffed with more than 200 personnel and equipment staged throughout the burn area.

Weather conditions are expected to support continued progress, with cooler temperatures in the 60s and lighter winds on Sunday. Fire behavior is anticipated to remain minimal.

All evacuation orders related to the Morrill Fire have been lifted, and there is currently no immediate threat to the public.

Incident commanders say crews will maintain a presence on the fire in the coming days to ensure hotspots are fully extinguished and containment lines hold, especially with more critical fire weather possible later this week.

Nebraska Program Offers Support for First Responders Facing Stress

OSHKOSH, Neb. — As wildfire response efforts continue across western Nebraska, resources are available to help first responders manage the physical and emotional toll of critical incidents.

The Nebraska Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program provides support services for emergency personnel, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, dispatchers and hospital staff. The program offers debriefings, peer support and crisis intervention following traumatic events.

Officials say stress reactions such as fatigue, anxiety, mood swings and disrupted sleep are common after high-intensity incidents. CISM encourages responders to talk through experiences, maintain routines and seek support from peers and family members.

The program also outlines steps for requesting assistance, typically initiated through Nebraska State Patrol dispatch following a major incident.

Support is also extended to families and coworkers, encouraging open communication and awareness of stress-related symptoms.

CISM leaders emphasize that resilience can be developed over time and that seeking help early can improve long-term recovery.