Nebraska wildfire fight drags into day 7 as winds ease, but danger still looms

Firefighters are battling huge wildfires in western and central Nebraska, as driving winds and dry grass keep the danger high

March 18, 2026Updated: March 18, 2026

By MARGERY A. BECK

Regional

Benefit auction for fire victims today in Gordon

Benefit auction for fire victims today in Gordon

Chadron State College Art Associate Professor complete nearly life-size sculpture of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

Chadron State College Art Associate Professor complete nearly life-size sculpture of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

Regulators seek public input for massive Montana-Wyoming oil pipeline proposal

Regulators seek public input for massive Montana-Wyoming oil pipeline proposal

Valentine firefighters respond to early morning truck fire; sirens to be tested Friday

Valentine firefighters respond to early morning truck fire; sirens to be tested Friday

State

Benefit auction for fire victims today in Gordon

State audit letter raises concerns about Western Nebraska Regional Airport Authority spending

Chadron State College Art Associate Professor complete nearly life-size sculpture of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

Authorities seek suspect after donation money stolen in Julesburg burglary

Fairbury airport manager Sandi Decker inducted into Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame

‘Magic every time’ sandhill crane knowledge and appreciation

Sports

Eagles Lose Late-Inning Leads vs. Rangers

Cougars split conference games with Lamar on Friday

Colorado sports notes: Marsh helps power 7-run first inning as Phillies beat Rockies 10-1 in Colorado’s home opener

Graves scores 28, Creighton takes down Rutgers 82-69 in CBC quarterfinals

April 4 (2:45 PM CT) - Indy Ignite vs Omaha Supernovas (NCN TV)

Prep track & field roundup: Leyton’s Alec Watchorn earns top honor as Burns sweeps team titles at Bayard CD Meet

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: NGPC offering pastures, hay tracts to those affected by wildfires

Outdoor notes: Work to begin soon on Smith Lake WMA Aquatic Habitat Project

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks urges caution when recreating outdoors due to wildfires

Outdoor notes: Temporary closure of Clear Creek WMA for safety

‘Worst-case scenario’: Fertilizer, fuel cost spikes hitting Nebraska farmers hard

Outdoor notes: Haag shares 100 years of Nebraskaland