Nebraska Governor Provides Update on Wildfires

FEMA approves grant to support relief efforts as statewide burn ban remains in place

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Senator Pete Ricketts toured wildfire-damaged areas of the state on Saturday, reporting that about 600,000 acres have been damaged by the three largest fires. Pillen identified the person killed in the Morrill County wildfire as Rose White and said the state has received a FEMA grant to help fund support efforts. The Nebraska National Guard has also deployed personnel to assist firefighting efforts, and a statewide burn ban remains in effect until March 27.

Why it matters

The wildfires in Nebraska have caused significant damage, with one fatality reported so far. The governor's update provides crucial information on the scale of the disaster and the state's response, including securing federal assistance and mobilizing additional resources to support firefighting efforts.

The details

Governor Pillen said the three largest wildfires in Nebraska have damaged around 600,000 acres as of Saturday morning. He identified the person killed in the Morrill County wildfire as Rose White. The state has received a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant to help fund support efforts, and the Nebraska National Guard has deployed 29 airmen and soldiers to assist firefighting. A statewide burn ban issued by Pillen remains in effect until March 27.

  • As of 10 a.m. on Saturday, about 600,000 acres have been damaged by the state's three largest fires.
  • The statewide burn ban issued by Governor Pillen remains in effect until March 27.

The players

Jim Pillen

The Governor of Nebraska who toured wildfire-damaged areas and provided an update on the state's response.

Pete Ricketts

A Nebraska Senator who accompanied Governor Pillen on the tour of wildfire-damaged areas.

Rose White

The person killed in the Morrill County wildfire.

John Ewing

The Mayor of Omaha who is working to mobilize people to help volunteer firefighters.

Gaylor Baird

The Mayor of Lincoln who is working to mobilize people to help volunteer firefighters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yesterday was one of the toughest days, and through the night. That we've probably ever experienced in our state.”

— Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska (3newsnow.com)

“So this is a fight from the river to Harrison. And I'm really excited that we're getting people deployed to help our volunteer firefighters.”

— Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska (3newsnow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The wildfires in Nebraska have caused significant damage, with one fatality reported so far. The governor's update highlights the state's efforts to secure federal assistance, mobilize additional resources, and maintain a statewide burn ban to help combat the ongoing threat. This disaster underscores the importance of preparedness and coordinated emergency response in the face of extreme weather events.