Progress is being reported on two major Nebraska wildfires. According to the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team, crews took advantage of the break in the wind on Monday to make some gains in containment.
According to the update, the Morrill Fire has burned 572,000 acres across Morrill, Arthur, Garden and Keith Counties and is 18 percent contained. Officials say it’s the biggest biggest wildfire in Nebraska history. On Tuesday crews are continuing to engage areas of active fire while strengthening containment lines and mopping up.
The Cottonwood Fire, south of I-80 near Brady and Gothenburg, has scorched more than 131,000 acres and is 40 percent contained. Firefighters will continue to work areas of active fire on the north side while patrolling, mopping up, and strengthening fire lines throughout the perimeter on Tuesday.
Firefighters braced for an increase in fire activity Tuesday due to a Red Flag Warning that is in effect.