Nebraska Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Nebraska - May 12, 2026

Overview

Nebraska is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to critical fire weather conditions characterized by strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels. The state is also in the recovery phase following a historically devastating early-season wildfire outbreak in March and April that burned over 800,000 acres. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while national resources are managing current incidents, there is steady but manageable fire activity across the U.S.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: While the massive early-season fires have been contained, the threat for new significant wildfires remains elevated across the state due to dry and windy conditions. On May 12, 2026, the Nebraska congressional delegation submitted a letter to the President urging a major disaster declaration to support recovery efforts from the historic spring fires. Firefighters remain on high alert as new ignitions could spread rapidly under the current weather conditions and will be difficult to control.

Key Fires:
(Note: The following historic fires occurred earlier this season and are currently contained, but they remain the focal point of current state recovery and disaster declaration efforts.)
Morrill Fire: Ignited on March 12, 2026, and burned 642,029 acres across multiple counties, becoming the largest wildfire in Nebraska state history. Fueled by dry grass, low vegetation, and high winds, it required a massive multi-agency response and is currently 100% contained.
Cottonwood Fire: Burned approximately 128,192 acres near Brady and Gothenburg. Like the Morrill Fire, it was driven by extreme winds and dry prairie grasses, prompting significant evacuations before being contained.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Following the lifting of a statewide burn ban earlier this spring, local restrictions remain in effect in many jurisdictions, such as North Platte and surrounding rural fire districts. During the current Red Flag Warning period, all outdoor burning is heavily discouraged, and local fire chiefs are not issuing open burning permits where critical fire weather is present.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Tuesday evening (May 12) for large portions of western and north-central Nebraska, including the Panhandle and Sandhills. Conditions feature temperatures in the 70s to low 80s, relative humidity dropping as low as 11 to 20 percent, and sustained west to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 to 55 mph.
Forecasted Weather: A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions are expected to persist, with strong south winds of 20 to 30 mph gusting up to 45 mph, which could easily fan the flames of any new fire starts.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to avoid any outdoor burning, campfires, or activities that could produce sparks during the Red Flag Warning. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of fires spreading to structures.
Resource Allocation: State and local agencies are maintaining readiness for initial attack on any new starts. The state is also working with federal partners to secure disaster assistance for communities and agricultural producers affected by the historic March and April megafires.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): nema.nebraska.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.