Containment numbers on Nebraska wildfires that have seen response for over a week now continue to climb. Despite a slowing on updates on some of the fires, the understanding is that the efforts to control and contain each fire have been successful.
Hot, dry conditions continue into the weekend for the state, with temperatures expected to reach as high as the 90s. Fire weather will continue to be a threat of concern.
At this time, updates on the Road 203 fire near Halsey and Dunning (last reported at 80% contained) and the Anderson Bridge Fire south of Kilgore (last reported at 60% contained) have not been made available for some time.
Any news on fires in Nebraska received in the daytime hours Friday will be placed into this story through updates as they flow in. Please check back through Friday
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: 643,074 (as of Friday)
Containment as up this update: 98% (as of Friday)
Personnel: 210
Latest additional information or explanation: Minimal fire activity was observed Thursday, as the perimeter was patrolled and heat was extinguished in the duff layer, stumps, and roots. Black Hawk helicopters are being used in the northwest end of Lake McConaughy, dropping water on hotspots near the uncontained southern perimeter that are hazardous to reach on foot. (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
Where: Has affected or threatened land in the counties of Dawson, Lincoln, and Frontier counties
Acres burned as of this update: 128,036 (as of Friday)
Containment as of this update: 80% (as of Friday)
Personnel: 251
Latest additional information or explanation: Fire remains active in portions of divisions west of Jeffrey Reservoir. Dense stands of eastern red cedar untouched during the fire’s initial advance are occasionally igniting and producing abundant smoke. Those flare ups are on the fire’s interior though. Five 25 person crews are constructing fireline with hand tools directly on the fire’s edge. Four black hawk helicopters from Nebraska and Iowa are being used to drop water on burning and smoldering vegetation in the area.
