Governor expresses gratitude for fire help

Gov. Pillen: :”It’s been so dry in Nebraska for so long we think it’s normal. It’s really counterintuitive when we think of the risks. By the grace of God we had so much rain last year and how much dry matter is on the fields and in the pastures.”

Gov. Jim Pillen gave a briefing Monday regarding four major wildfires that continue to burn in Nebraska, scorching over 700,000 acres statewide.

Gov. Jim Pillen offered his gratitude for 400 local firefighters and assistance from Colorado and Iowa. He said federal assistance is also underway.

Pillen: “You know, if we have a failing in Nebraska, we just tend to want to do it all ourselves. We tend not want to ask for help. If there is anything we have to do today is make sure we keep asking for help, that we keep engaging.”

Morrill County fire has burned over 570,000 acres, making it the largest wildfire in state history. The fire is blamed on an electrical spark pushed by high winds. 86-year-old rose White of Arthur was killed trying to escape the fire zone.

The Cottonwood Fire south of I-80 near Gothenburg has burned 122,000 acres, forcing an evacuation of Jeffrey Lake.

The Road 203 fire is within the Nebraska National Forest. It has burned about 35,000 acres. Officials say 160 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Major General Craig Strong said 47 national guard members involved.

Gen. Strong: “Generals are always looking, pressing their staff, for the turning point in the campaign. When’s the turning point? Right now, I can’t give you a definite answer to the turning point, but that day will come and when that day comes you can rest assured we will reach that point together – the combined team the effort we bring to bear, that’s what Nebraskans do.”

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture reports that the Morrill fire is likely to involve the grazing resource for 35,000 cows.

LINCOLN -  News Channel Nebraska is taking part in the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund to assist beef producers who are being impacted by wildfires.

NCN is launching the Nebraska Supports Nebraska effort across its radio and TV stations.

Donations will benefit producers with losses reported through the Nebraska Emergency Management Association watch center, which is monitoring wildfires in Morrill, Garden, Arthur and Keith counties and the Cottonwood Fire in Lincoln, Dawson and Frontier counties.

For more information visit Nebraska Cattlemen dot org.

Here is the press release

LINCOLN, NE (March 16, 2026) – Today, leadership of the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund announced they are accepting monetary donations and relief applications to assist beef cattle producers who are being impacted by fires. 

Nebraska Cattlemen President Craig Uden stated, “In the face of the largest wildfire in Nebraska history, our communities remain strong. We are grateful for the first responders, volunteer firefighters, and local leaders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and livestock. Leadership of the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund hopes people will consider contributing to help beef cattle producers who are being impacted by these fires."

The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund will remain activated and accept monetary donations until further notice by leadership of the Disaster Relief Fund. 100% of the donations will be distributed to producers who were impacted.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations made to the Disaster Relief Fund may be tax deductible – a receipt will be sent upon deposit of funds. Those donating should consult with their tax advisor for final determination.

Funds will only be distributed to producers who experienced property loss or damage in areas where a fire was reported through the Nebraska Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Watch Center. As of today, disaster declarations have been issued for the Morrill County fire, impacting Morrill, Garden, Arthur and Keith Counties, and the Cottonwood Fire, impacting Lincoln, Dawson, and Frontier Counties.

Membership in Nebraska Cattlemen is not required for applicants to receive relief. Applications may be submitted from today until further notice. Relief funds will not be distributed until the application period closes.