Multiple wildfires reported in northern Nebraska Panhandle amid dangerous fire conditions

Multiple wildfires are burning across the northern Nebraska Panhandle as extreme fire weather grips the region. Fires south of Chadron and near Harrison have drawn massive responses from firefighters, ranchers and federal crews amid wind gusts up to 45 mph and critically dry conditions.

May 14, 2026Updated: May 14, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

Multiple wildfires reported in northern Nebraska Panhandle amid dangerous fire conditions

Regional

Drowning death under investigation at Johnson Lake

Allen woman charged after allegedly driving into Merriman business

A 30-year-old Allen woman is facing multiple charges after authorities say she drove a pickup into a Merriman business.

Man sentenced to life in Winner killing, later commuted by Governor Noem, now charged in 14-year-old’s death

A 51-year-old Sioux Falls man who was sentenced to life in prison for a 1994 killing in Winner is now facing federal charges in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl.

Fire personnel begin leaving South Fork Fire near Crawford as containment reaches 80%

Fire personnel are beginning to scale back operations on the South Fork Fire near Crawford as containment reaches 80%, according to a Thursday morning update from Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2.

Multiple wildfires reported in northern Nebraska Panhandle amid dangerous fire conditions

Regional

Drowning death under investigation at Johnson Lake

Allen woman charged after allegedly driving into Merriman business

Man sentenced to life in Winner killing, later commuted by Governor Noem, now charged in 14-year-old’s death

Fire personnel begin leaving South Fork Fire near Crawford as containment reaches 80%

State

Hail storm hits Logan County

DHHS takes custody of toddler after DUI arrest, hit-and-run investigation

Tee off with Upper Deck Golf at Memorial Stadium this October

Norfolk man arrested for threatening woman with gun, police say.

DOJ charges 455 defendants in $6.5B health care fraud crackdown

Trail connecting Fremont and Hooper officially opens

Sports

Oklahoma dominates UNC, wins first College World Series since 1994

Hundreds of hoopers compete at growing UNK basketball camp

UNC takes game two of CWS finals, forces winner-take-all Monday night

Behind two homers from LeChance, Oklahoma takes game one of MCWS final

Hundreds of wrestlers pack downtown Grand Island for Friday Night Lights event

East Team Seeks Repeat Victory in Sertoma 8-Man Classic

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Birding Bowl inspires generous next step

Outdoor notes: Tips for enjoying water safely this summer

Outdoor notes: Rare lake sturgeon made 681-mile swim

Outdoor notes: Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this summer

Ag notes: Cattle placements rise 6% during April

NGPC still offers grazing, haying opportunities