The Morrill Fire, which has burned more than 640,000 acres in Nebraska, has been marked as 100% contained by officials just short of two weeks after starting. The Cottonwood fire, which has burned nearly 130,000 acres, remains at 98% contained as of Wednesday morning (March 25).
Critical fire weather conditions have returned to Nebraska today, however, and four initial attack groups remain near the Cottonwood and Morrill fire areas in case their quick response is needed alongside local fire departments. Unmanned Nebraska State Patrol aircraft systems and Nebraska and Iowa National Guard Black Hawk helicopters are also available if needed.
A red flag warning for record high temperatures, very low humidity, and gusty winds is in effect for the western part of the state from 10 AM Wednesday to 10 AM Thursday.
Temporary flight restrictions are no longer in effect on either fire. Incident aircraft is still operating over both fire areas, so local aviators reducing their traffic around both fires is appreciated so air crews remain safe.
Morrill Fire
Began: Believed to be Morrill County due to a power pole knocked down by wind, March 12 (officially undetermined)
Where: Has affected or threatened land in the counties of Morrill, Garden, Grant, Arthur, and Keith
Acres burned as of this update: 642,029 (as of Wednesday)
Containment as up this update: 100% (as of Wednesday)
Personnel: 226
Latest additional information or explanation: Was declared 100 percent contained on Tuesday evening. Fire managers do not expect the fire to get larger, however, isolated and scattered flare-ups within the interior remain a possibility even though the outer perimeter is fully contained. Wednesday’s very hot, dry, and windy weather may cause pockets of heat to generate visible smoke. Fire will be patrolled today by engine crews. (See full Cottonwood and Morrill fire update press release at the end of this story)
Cottonwood Fire
Began: Southeast corner of Lincoln County near Cottonwood Road and South Government Pocket Road, March 12 (cause undetermined)
Where: Has affected or threatened land in the counties of Dawson, Lincoln, and Frontier counties
Acres burned as of this update: 129,103 (as of Wednesday)
Containment as of this update: 98% (as of Wednesday)
Personnel: 240
Latest additional information or explanation: Occasional flare-ups were the extent of activity on Tuesday within the fire’s interior. Numerous areas of critically dry vegetation remain within the perimeter. Hand crews on the northwest side of the fire continue to find and extinguish hot spots along two sections of the fire’s edge that are not contained yet. The contained perimeter is being patrolled by engine crews. Smoke is expected to be seen from the fire today as weather conditions are likely to increase fire activity inside the perimeter.
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: 35,892 (as of Tuesday afternoon)
Containment as of this update: 95% (as of Tuesday afternoon)
Latest additional information or explanation: Fire line is being checked thoroughly for remaining heat. Containment has risen to 95% and crews remain prepared to monitor the fire area throughout the hot, dry, and windy conditions.
