Nebraska Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Nebraska - April 21, 2026

Overview

Nebraska is currently facing an elevated fire risk following a historic and devastating early fire season. Exceptionally dry fuels, warmer-than-average conditions, and relentless winds have left the landscape highly vulnerable. Although recent scattered precipitation provided brief relief, a strong drying trend has returned to the region. In response to the critical fire weather, Governor Jim Pillen has issued a proclamation putting the Nebraska National Guard on active-duty status to ensure aviation and support resources are ready for immediate wildfire response. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while local geographic areas are managing incidents well, some national resources are required to support active regions.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: While the massive, record-breaking fires that swept through the state in March have been contained, the threat of new ignitions remains high. Firefighters and engine crews continue to monitor massive burn scars for scattered flare-ups. The combination of extremely dry conditions and high winds over the last 72 hours has heightened the potential for new significant wildfires to start and spread rapidly.

Key Fires:

• Morrill Fire (Burn Scar Monitoring): Ignited in March across Garden, Arthur, and Keith counties, this fire burned over 642,000 acres, making it the largest single wildfire in state history. Fueled by exceptionally dry grass and prairie fuels, it caused widespread evacuations and agricultural devastation. While the fire is 100% contained, crews remain alert for flare-ups within the massive burn scar.
• Cottonwood Fire (Burn Scar Monitoring): Located in Dawson, Lincoln, and Frontier counties, this fire burned over 129,000 acres and stands as the second-largest in state history. Fueled by dry grass and timber, it caused significant structural damage and livestock losses.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: On April 15, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission lifted its ban on campfires and prescribed burns at all state park and wildlife management areas, following the state's earlier decision to rescind the statewide burn ban after temporary rains. However, due to the rapid return of critical fire weather, outdoor burning is now strongly discouraged across much of the state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also been conducting prescribed burns at mitigation sites along the Missouri River corridor to reduce wildfire risk and improve ecosystem health.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A strong drying trend has taken hold of the region, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s to lower 80s. Extremely low humidity levels, dropping between 5% and 20%, are creating a high risk for rapid fire spread.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect across the Nebraska Panhandle, the Sandhills, western, and north-central Nebraska. Gusty winds out of the west to northwest are expected to reach 25 to 35 mph. Any fires that develop will likely spread quickly and be difficult to control. Additionally, isolated thunderstorms are possible midweek across portions of the Sandhills and southwest Nebraska, which could bring lightning risks and severe weather.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to avoid activities that could spark a fire, such as parking vehicles on dry, tall grass, dragging chains from vehicles, or leaving campfires unattended. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to stay alert to weather conditions and emergency notices during Red Flag Warnings.
Resource Allocation: Governor Pillen has mobilized aviation assets, support equipment, and personnel from the Nebraska National Guard to assist local volunteer firefighters in controlling and containing potential new fire starts. Agencies are actively monitoring conditions to safeguard lives, property, and agricultural assets.

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
Nebraska Forest Service Wildfire Risk Explorer: nfs.unl.edu
University of Nebraska Wildfire Resources: wildfire.unl.edu

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.