US EditionNebraska wildfire fight drags into day 7 as winds ease, but danger still looms
Four major fires have scorched over 800,000 acres, destroying grazing land and fences, with the Morrill Fire 16% contained, officials said.
- On Wednesday, a coalition of state, federal and local firefighters entered their seventh day battling four major wildfires across central and western Nebraska, where more than 800,000 acres have burned and at least one person has died.
- Driven by a powerful heat wave with low humidity and extreme drought, the fire spread rapidly due to high winds over 60 mph and tinder-dry prairie grass, starting around March 12 or 13, 2026.
- Fire managers reported that the largest blaze has burned over 643,000 acres and remains only 16% contained, while the second-largest is about 78% contained as of Tuesday.
- Relief groups reported that the Morrill County fire affects grazing for over 35,000 cattle, with 95% of grazing land considered lost, as firefighters work to contain the fires.
- Officials expect more progress over Thursday and Friday as winds ease, but Saturday could bring about 90 degrees Fahrenheit and stronger winds, with federal help on standby.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Nebraska fires negatively impact pasture, cattle
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- The containment of four wildfires burning in Nebraska is increasing, but as of Thursday night, more than 800,000 acres have been destroyed. Many of those acres are ranch land for livestock. The Nebraska Governor's office said as of Wednesday, the Cottonwood fire, the Morrill fire, the Road 203 fire and [...]
Nebraska battling its largest wildfires in history - 800,000 acres burned and at least one person killed
Swaths of Nebraska are engulfed in fire, with some 800,000 acres burned and at least one person killed. The wildfires, which are the "largest wildfires in our history," according to a post on X by state's governor Jim Pillen, are being driven by a powerful heat wave across the western U.S. Temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit have combined with low humidity, high winds and extreme drought to increase the risk of fire in the state for at least the …
Historic Nebraska wildfires threaten cattle ranches and could drive up local beef prices
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:Western and central Nebraska are battling the biggest fires in state history, and those working with cattle are taking a big hit.I visited Wahoo to find out what is happening with local beef prices.Inside Wahoo Meat Locker, manager Connor Emsweiler tries to keep prices low for his products by shopping for wholesale beef. He said the Wahoo Weiner, made of pork and beef, is his most popular seller."Anyone whos ever lived here …
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