Nebraska Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Nebraska - May 20, 2026

Overview

Nebraska is experiencing a critically elevated fire risk driven by extreme drought conditions, high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. The state is facing a historic wildfire year, with over 820,000 acres already burned this spring. The combination of dry vegetation, particularly stressed trees and cured grasses, has created a highly volatile environment. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, with national and state resources actively responding to ongoing incidents across the region.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Fire activity remains a significant concern across Nebraska. Over the last 72 hours, Red Flag conditions have exacerbated fire behavior, and firefighters are actively working to suppress new starts while monitoring massive burn scars from earlier in the season. State officials recently submitted a federal disaster declaration request to address nearly $9.7 million in damages to public infrastructure, roads, and power grids caused by these historic blazes.

Key Fires:

• Morrill Fire: Located across Keith, Arthur, Grant, Garden, and Morrill counties, this historic megafire has burned over 642,000 acres, making it the largest in state history. Fueled by tall grass and invasive eastern redcedar, the fire is highly contained, but crews continue to monitor the massive burn scar for hotspots amid current Red Flag conditions.
• Cottonwood Fire: Burning southeast of the Morrill Fire, this blaze consumed over 128,000 acres. It remains a focal point for monitoring due to the extreme drought and high winds in the region.
• Plum Creek Fire: Located in the rugged terrain of Brown County, this recent fire burned over 6,600 acres. It was fueled by steep canyon vegetation, timber, and dry grasses, and resulted in the loss of livestock and destroyed utility poles.
• Grizzly Bear Fire: A newer start reported in the last week, currently estimated at 75 acres.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Prescribed fire remains a vital tool in Nebraska for managing invasive woody encroachment, such as eastern redcedar, particularly in the Loess Canyons and Sandhills. A small 5-acre prescribed burn is scheduled for May 20 in Pioneers Park in Lincoln to manage remnant prairie. However, due to extreme fire weather, many local jurisdictions have suspended burn permits, and landowners are urged to halt all prescribed burning activities until significant moisture arrives.

Air Quality: Smoke from ongoing fires, combined with blowing dust from high winds, is impacting air quality across rural and urban communities. A blowing dust advisory was recently issued for parts of the Midwest. Residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, should monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and limit outdoor activities during periods of heavy smoke or dust accumulation.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: The region is experiencing a classic "fire weather" setup with low humidity, high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to 90°F, and dry vegetation.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect for much of the state, including the Nebraska Panhandle and North Platte, due to strong wind gusts reaching 20 to 50+ mph. These conditions mean any fire that starts will spread rapidly.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents in areas under Red Flag Warnings are urged to avoid any activities that could spark a fire, such as using power tools outdoors, throwing cigarette butts, or leaving outdoor fires unattended. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to secure property.
Resource Allocation: Agencies are focusing on monitoring historic burn scars and suppressing new starts. Federal grants and cooperative efforts are being utilized to mechanically remove highly flammable eastern redcedar trees to reduce fuel loads where burning is currently unsafe.

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.