Fire crews have nearly contained two major wildfires in western Nebraska, one deemed the largest in state history. But officials warn dangerous conditions this weekend could increase fire activity.
The Morrill and Cottonwood fires are now 98% and 80% contained, respectively, according to a Friday afternoon update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team.
Despite the progress, firefighters are preparing for extreme fire weather expected Saturday, including strong winds, very low humidity and near-record temperatures.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning this weekend for 90 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. The remaining three, in the state’s southwest corner on the Kansas boarder, are under a Fire Weather Watch.
Officials say additional crews are being reassigned to daytime shifts to respond quickly to any new fires, while extra resources will be available to assist local departments across Nebraska.
The Cottonwood Fire remains active west of Jeffrey Reservoir, where crews are working to contain flare-ups within the fire’s interior. Five hand crews and National Guard helicopters are being used to build fire lines and extinguish hotspots.
On the Morrill Fire, crews reported minimal activity Thursday and continue to patrol the perimeter and put out lingering heat.
“The perimeter of the Morrill Fire, for example, is 400 miles,” David Boyd, public information officer for the management team, told KLIN News. “So that’s 400 miles that firefighters have to go along and make sure it’s secure.”
Boyd says warm, dry conditions Friday will allow for continued progress, but Saturday’s forecast of strong winds, single-digit humidity, and 90 degree temperatures could cause fires to spread more rapidly.
In total, the Cottonwood Fire has burned more than 128,000 acres, while the Morrill Fire has scorched over 643,000 acres. The cause of both blazes remains undetermined.
Temporary flight restrictions remain in place over both fires due to firefighting aircraft operations. Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org for more information.
“If you fly, we can’t,” Boyd said.