Three major Nebraska wildfires have burned approximately 600,000 acres of land in central and western Nebraska, and it is zero percent contained on Sunday, March 15, killing one person, according to officials.
Gov. Jim Pillen has declared a state of emergency, freeing up additional resources to battle historical Nebraska wildfires. He also deployed Nebraska National Guard troops to help local firefighters.
Additionally, two Nebraska Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters are fighting the fires.
Historical Nebraska Wildfires
The Morrill Fire has thus far consumed more than 450,000 acres across Morrill, Arthur, and Keith counties, making it the largest Nebraska wildfire in history, according to officials. On Saturday, it was reported in a news conference that the fire had claimed one life.
The Cottonwood Fire burned 100,000 acres thus far in Dawson County, near Gothenberg. The third fire is the Road 203 Fire near Halsey and has consumed more than 40,000 acres, according to state officials.
Officials report that none of the Nebraska wildfires have been contained.
Slowing the Burn
A cross-country storm will bring snow to other areas in the Midwest on Sunday> The storm will bring dry and windy conditions to the Nebraska wildfires, making the battle even more challenging for firefighters.
Gov. Pillen says, “The winds are supposed to be extraordinary,” and called on the help of mayors in Omaha and Lincoln to provide additional support. He also plans to reach out to nearby states, including Iowa, for help.
Fire departments in Omaha and Lincoln are sending personnel and equipment to assist with the blazes.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. says, “Our hearts go out to the residents of Keith County. Omaha stands ready to support our neighbors. By deploying these resources, we are providing critical relief to local crews while ensuring that our own city remains fully protected and staffed for local emergencies.”
Saturday evening, the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) assumed management of the Morrill and Cottonwood Fires. CIMT1 says the team will coordinate with local resources.
CIMT1 is composed of local, state, and federal personnel from Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Members retain specific qualifications in incident management positions such as operations, logistics, finance, planning, and public information, according to KNOP News.
Team operations began scouting and planning on Saturday and will continue on Sunday as more resources become available. High winds are expected to keep aircraft grounded.
Cottonwood Fire
Crews are assessing structural protection on the north side of the fire. Additionally, they are scouting for areas where firefighters can directly engage the flames and identify opportunities to successfully hold the fire.
Morrill Fire
The fire spread to the Clear Creek area west of Lake McConaughy but has not crossed the North Platte River. Sunday’s ream is supporting local resources engaging the blaze. Firefighters continue to scout and track resources in the area.
Other Preparedness
There is a wind warning in effect until 6 p.m. MDT Sunday. High rates of spread are possible with gusts in excess of 50 mph expected. Low temperatures are in the forecasted to be under 10 degrees overnight. Firefighters take special precautions to protect engines and equipment, such as draining water, parking inside, and using antifreeze.
Hot and dry weather is forecasted for later this week, with record temperatures possible. The area is experiencing a significant drought, and fuels are cured and extremely receptive to fire.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the Morrill and Cottonwood Fires. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones.
Gov. Pillen says, “I think it’s important that all Nebraskans pray.”
Sources:
Office of the Governor Jim Pillen: Gov. Pillen Declares Emergency. Mobilizes Guard as Wildfires Burn in Central and Western Nebraska
abcnews.com: Biggest wildfire in Nebraska history continues to burn out of control
knopnews: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumes management of the Morrill and Cottonwood Fires; provides update on fires
Featured Image Courtesy of Bureau of Land Management’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
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