Four wildfires in Nebraska continue to see response from firefighting crews after sparking late last week. Updates continue to roll in at different rates for each. Below we will update what is known through Monday evening (March 16).
Any news on the four major fires in Nebraska received through Monday night will be placed into this story through updates.
Morrill Fire
Began: Morrill County due to a power pole knocked down by wind, March 12
Where: Has affected or threatened land in the counties of Morrill, Garden, Grant, Arthur, and Keith
Acres burned as of this update: 572,804
Containment as up this update: 18%
Latest additional information or explanation: Blackhawk helicopters were in the plans for Monday operations along with aerial supervision from the air. Hot spots and mop up work where needed were another focus.
Cottonwood Fire
Began: Southeast corner of Lincoln County near Cottonwood Road and South Government Pocket Road, March 12
Where: Has affected or threatened land in the counties of Dawson, Lincoln, and Frontier counties
Acres burned as of this update: 131,259
Containment as of this update: 40%
Latest additional information or explanation: Acres burn went up slightly on Monday, by less than 10,000 acres. As of this afternoon, the North Platte Police Department indicated the evacuation notice for Jeffrey Reservoir was still in effect. Hot spots and some mop up were focuses of Monday operations.
Road 203 Fire
Began: When the Chokecherry Prescribed burn at the Halsey National Forest left its burn area two days later, March 12
Where: Has affected or threatened land in the counties of Blaine, Logan, Thomas, and Custer
Acres burned as of this update: 35,814
Containment as of this update: 36%
Latest additional information or explanation: Containment has gone from 0% to 36% according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, are being used to identify hot spots across the fire area. This allows crews to quickly locate remaining heat while reducing firefighter exposure to hazards by guiding resources exactly where work is needed.
Anderson Bridge Fire
Began: On the eastern edge of Samuel R. McKelvie National forest south of Kilgore, March 12
Where: Has affected or threatened land in Cherry County
Acres burned as of this update: 17,400
Containment as of this update: 60%
Latest additional information or explanation: Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest remains closed to visitors for safety.
