Hyannis Public Schools cancels Monday classes due to Morrill Fire

HYANNIS, Neb. — Hyannis Public Schools announced there will be no classes Monday to allow students, staff and families impacted by the massive Morrill Fire time to recover following several days of emergency conditions across the Nebraska Sandhills.

School officials said regular classes will resume Tuesday, March 17.

“To give our students and staff impacted directly and indirectly by the fires a chance to regroup and repair there will be no school Monday, March 16th. Regular classes will begin on Tuesday the 17th,” the district said in a public post.

The announcement comes as communities across Morrill, Garden, Keith, Arthur and Grant counties continue responding to the historic wildfire that began Thursday near Angora after strong winds knocked down a power pole and line.

The Morrill Fire has burned more than 570,000 acres, making it the largest wildfire in Nebraska history and one of the largest fires ever recorded in the United States.

Fire crews from more than 30 departments across Nebraska and several neighboring states have been working to contain the blaze. Nebraska National Guard members and other resources have also been deployed to assist local responders.

The fire forced evacuations in several communities around the north side of Lake McConaughy earlier in the week, including Lewellen, Cedar View and Omaha Beach, as well as ranch homes south of Bingham. Those evacuation orders were later lifted as firefighters established protection lines and conditions improved.

Officials say the fire remains active in portions of the Sandhills, particularly in central and northern Garden County.

School officials did not report damage to school facilities but said the closure will allow families and staff time to address impacts from the fire and ongoing response efforts.

Creek Valley schools postponed their winter awards night on Monday due to the fire to make sure all families and community members can enjoy the night.