Morrill Fire reaches 98% containment as crews prepare for extreme weekend conditions
The Morrill Fire is now 98% contained, but crews are preparing for extreme fire conditions Saturday with 90° temps, strong winds and low humidity that could spark new fires.
By News Channel NebraskaKEITH COUNTY, Neb. — Firefighters have made major progress on the Morrill Fire, which is now 98% contained as crews continue working to secure the largest wildfire in Nebraska history.
According to a Friday morning update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1, the Morrill Fire remains at 643,074 acres across Morrill, Garden, Keith, Arthur and Grant counties. The Cottonwood Fire, burning south of I-80 near Brady and Gothenburg, is now 80% contained at 128,036 acres.
Officials said containment reflects how secure the fire perimeter is from spreading, but does not mean the fire is fully extinguished. Crews continue patrolling the 399-mile perimeter of the Morrill Fire, working to locate and extinguish lingering heat in stumps, roots and vegetation.
Fire activity on the Morrill Fire was minimal Thursday, allowing firefighters to focus on mop-up operations and strengthening containment lines. National Guard Black Hawk helicopters continue to assist with water drops in areas that are difficult to access, particularly near the northwest end of Lake McConaughy.
Despite recent progress, fire managers are preparing for another round of dangerous fire weather conditions expected Saturday.
Forecasts call for temperatures in the low 90s, single-digit humidity and west winds up to 35 mph, conditions that could increase fire activity within the perimeter and lead to rapid growth of any new fires.
To prepare, officials are shifting overnight crews to daytime operations, creating dedicated initial-attack teams ready to respond quickly to new fire starts across the region.
The Morrill Fire, which began near Angora after a power line was downed in high winds, has become the largest wildfire in state history, burning more than 1,000 square miles.
Officials emphasized that, while progress has been made, the fire remains active and continued vigilance is necessary.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the fire area as aerial resources continue to support suppression efforts.