Nebraska wildfires nearly contained as crews brace for new threats

Crews continued to battle the Morrill and Cottonwood fires over the weekend despite record-high temperatures, while monitoring for new fire threats amid upcoming weather conditions.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:51am

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Historic Nebraska wildfires, including the Morrill and Cottonwood fires, are nearly contained, but emergency management crews say they are monitoring the potential for new wildfire outbreaks across the state. Saturday's record-high temperatures created new challenges, with the Cottonwood Fire growing by 100 acres and destroying three firefighting vehicles. Crews also responded to several pop-up fires, including one near McCook that burned an estimated 800 acres. Officials warn that the dry, hot, and windy conditions could lead to more fires starting quickly in the upcoming week.

Why it matters

The Morrill and Cottonwood fires have already burned hundreds of thousands of acres in western Nebraska, causing significant damage. With the fires nearly contained, officials are now focused on preventing any new major wildfires from sparking as the hot, dry, and windy conditions persist. Preventing further destruction is crucial for the affected communities.

The details

On Saturday, the Cottonwood Fire grew by an additional 100 acres due to the extreme heat and high winds, and three unoccupied firefighting vehicles were destroyed when the flames moved closer to where the crew had parked. Emergency management also responded to several pop-up fires across the state, including one near McCook that burned an estimated 800 acres before being 96% contained. Officials warn that the combination of dry vegetation, strong winds, and high temperatures means fires can spread rapidly, and they are closely monitoring the situation as these conditions are expected to continue in the upcoming week.

  • The Morrill Fire has burned more than 600,000 acres and is now 98% contained.
  • The Cottonwood Fire has charred nearly 130,000 acres and is currently 96% contained.
  • On Saturday, the Cottonwood Fire grew by an additional 100 acres due to the extreme heat and high winds.
  • On Sunday, cooler temperatures allowed firefighters to extinguish more hot spots.

The players

Morrill and Cottonwood Fire

The two largest wildfires in Nebraska that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres and are now nearly contained.

David Boyd

Morrill and Cottonwood Fire Public Information Officer.

Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department

The fire department that responded to a pop-up fire near McCook that burned an estimated 800 acres.

Mike Flood

Nebraska Congressman who is working with leaders to continue bringing support to the areas devastated by the wildfires.

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What they’re saying

“The crew parked their vehicles in what we call 'the black,' so it was an area that had burned before. They hiked in to work some of these pockets of vegetation that were closer to the line, and while they were gone, the fire burned closer to their vehicles.”

— David Boyd, Morrill and Cottonwood Fire Public Information Officer

“The grasses and shrubs and trees are really dry, you have really strong wind, and it's hot. So those three things combined mean fire can get really active and spread really quickly.”

— David Boyd, Morrill and Cottonwood Fire Public Information Officer

“Everything's getting sent to these areas of Nebraska that were devastated by these brutal fires. We're going to continue to watch this. We're going to work as a federal delegation to make sure we get the FEMA resources that Nebraska needs going forward.”

— Mike Flood, Nebraska Congressman

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.