Cottonwood

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Cottonwood Fire was officially reported on March 15, 2026 (with initial ignitions in the area beginning around March 12), near Maxwell and Brady in Lincoln County, Nebraska, and spreading into Dawson and Frontier counties.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates within the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 128,036 acres and is currently 78% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Driven by hot, dry, and extremely windy conditions along with ongoing drought, the fire spread rapidly across rangeland. It has been heavily fueled by abundant woody vegetation, specifically invasive Eastern Red Cedar trees, which are filled with sap and highly flammable. The rugged terrain, particularly near Jeffrey Reservoir, has made containment challenging.
Containment Efforts: The fire is being managed by the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 under the direction of the State of Nebraska. Over 92 fire departments and task-force units, including the Nebraska National Guard, have been deployed. Firefighters are utilizing hand crews, tactical firefighting trucks, helicopters for water drops, and drones equipped with infrared sensors to detect hotspots and map the perimeter.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Evacuation notices remain in effect for the Jeffrey Reservoir area and for residents living two to three miles south of Gothenburg. Earlier mandatory evacuations for the community of Farnam were rescinded.
Evacuation Warnings: Residents in surrounding areas are advised to remain on high alert due to shifting winds and critical fire weather.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: The Brady Community Center is open and offering free food and shelter to those affected by the fire. Hundreds of residents were initially impacted, and ranchers have had to move cattle herds out of the fire's path to find suitable grazing land.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Roadways in the immediate vicinity of the fire, including local routes south of I-80 near Brady and Gothenburg, have experienced intermittent closures due to low visibility from blowing dust, smoke, and ash.
• Residents are advised to avoid travel near the fire perimeter to allow emergency crews access.
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are in place over the fire area, prohibiting unauthorized aircraft, including drones, to allow for safe aerial firefighting operations.

For more information, visit:

• Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
• Nebraska 511 Travel Information
• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: Fortunately, no fatalities or severe injuries have been reported specifically for the Cottonwood Fire. However, firefighters have faced extreme exhaustion, working 20-24 hour shifts to protect communities.
Structures Impacted: Based on the latest assessments, at least 44 structures have been destroyed and 170 others threatened. Many older farmsteads and homes were saved by the heroic efforts of local firefighters and landowners using tractors and discs to create firebreaks.
School and Business Closures: Local schools, including those in Brady, were temporarily utilized as emergency shelters.
Notable Impacts: The fire has caused extreme damage to agricultural infrastructure, leaving widespread destruction across rangeland and destroying miles of fencing.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: Power lines were downed during the initial spread of the fire, and some areas in central and eastern Nebraska are still recovering from prolonged power outages.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but agricultural water supplies are being closely monitored.
Burn Bans: Governor Jim Pillen has issued a statewide burn ban to reduce the potential for additional wildfires. All open burning is strictly prohibited.
Air Quality: An Air Quality Alert is in effect for central Nebraska due to heavy smoke and ash. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Residents are advised to stay indoors, reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, and avoid intense outdoor activities.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Fire managers have successfully increased containment to 78% due to coordinated firefighting efforts. However, heat continues to linger in the ground and in smoldering vegetation near containment lines. Crews will continue to monitor the interior, mop up hot spots, and reinforce fire lines over the coming days. The rugged terrain in the northwest corner near Jeffrey Reservoir remains a priority as crews work on foot to extinguish lingering heat sources.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect. The area is experiencing a warming and drying trend, with temperatures expected to reach the 80s and 90s, relative humidity dropping into the single digits to teens, and wind gusts up to 25 mph. These critical fire weather conditions have the potential to increase fire activity within the perimeter and cause rapid spread if any new fires ignite.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Cottonwood Fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid spread was heavily influenced by extreme climate conditions, including an ongoing severe drought, low soil moisture, and severe wind conditions. High temperatures and extremely low relative humidity have created a highly volatile environment, turning invasive vegetation into explosive fuels and exacerbating the fire's intensity.

For more information, visit:

• Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
• Nebraska Department of Agriculture Disaster Resources
• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map