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Nebraska Wildfires Near Full Containment as Crews Brace for Extreme Fire Weather

All evacuation orders are lifted, signaling a shift toward rapid initial attack readiness.

Overview

  • Morrill is mapped at 643,074 acres and 98% containment, and Cottonwood at 128,192 acres and 94% containment, according to the incident management team.
  • The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning with record March heat in the 90s, single-digit humidity, gusts up to 35 mph and overnight wind shifts up to 45 mph.
  • Three unoccupied responder vehicles were lost in the Cottonwood Fire during Saturday’s extreme conditions, with no injuries reported, officials said.
  • Initial-attack groups with firefighters, engines and heavy equipment are staged in Oshkosh, Keystone and Brady to tackle any new starts without leaving the fires unstaffed.
  • Crews continue interior mop-up using infrared drones and National Guard Black Hawk water drops, and Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place to protect active air operations.