"Largest fire in Nebraska history": Morrill Fire grows to nearly 549,000 acres across western Nebraska

OGALLALA, Neb. — The massive Morrill Fire burning across western Nebraska has grown to nearly 549,000 acres and remains active across multiple counties as firefighters continue battling the blaze this weekend.

Officials said the wildfire has now burned 548,993 acres across Keith, Arthur, Grant, Garden and Morrill counties. State officials estimate more than 800,000 acres have burned statewide in recent days due to multiple wildfires.

The fire is now about 10% contained in Keith County but remains very active, especially in central and northern Garden County.

Authorities confirmed the fire began Thursday when a power pole went down near Angora, Nebraska.

More than 30 fire departments from Nebraska and surrounding states are assisting in the response, including firefighters from 15 Nebraska counties as well as departments from Campbell County and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Lincoln and Omaha.

Two Blackhawk helicopters and Nebraska National Guard personnel are now assisting firefighters on the ground.

Federal officials are expected to assume full command of the firefighting operation Monday.

So far, three structures have been affected in Keith County and one in Arthur County.

Officials also confirmed one fatality connected to the wildfire. Rose White of Arthur County died during the fire.

No firefighters have been injured.

Several ranch homes south of Bingham were evacuated as flames approached the area.

A large flare-up also occurred Saturday near the Omaha Beach and K-2 cabin areas at Lake McConaughy, prompting evacuations from Cedar View to Omaha Beach. Residents were allowed to return home a few hours later after firefighters stopped the flames before homes were damaged. Fire engines remained stationed in the area Saturday night.

State Sen. Tanya Storer said the fires are impacting ranchers during one of their busiest times of year.

“Keep in mind this is calving season for most of these ranchers, so this is a time when they’re already tired,” Storer said. “They’re already watching cattle sometimes 24 hours a day. That’s who’s being impacted are the very folks that are in their busiest season in their business.”

Storer said the long-term impacts will likely include livestock losses and destroyed grazing land.

“We’re likely to see some loss of livestock, but not only the loss of livestock, but the loss of forage,” Storer said. “A lot of this would be summer grazing ground that people would be turning cattle out on in June. That’s gone. That’s not going to be an option.”

She added that heavy grass growth from last year’s moisture likely contributed to the fire’s intensity.

“The good news, bad news is that we had such good moisture last year that probably contributes in part to the severity of this fire,” Storer said. “There was so much fuel there.”

Weather conditions are expected to remain challenging for firefighters. Forecasters say windy conditions will continue with gusts up to 55 mph Saturday night. A chance of rain and snow is possible overnight before much colder temperatures arrive Sunday.

Sunday’s high temperature is expected to reach only about 31 degrees, with wind chill values near zero and continued strong winds.