US EditionNebraska wildfire fight drags into day 7 as winds ease, but danger still looms
Four wildfires have burned over 800,000 acres, destroyed structures, caused evacuations, and killed one person, with the largest fire only 16% contained, officials said.
- On March 18, 2026, Nebraska officials said four major wildfires have burned more than 800,000 acres across western and central Nebraska, killing an 86-year-old woman from rural Arthur.
- The blaze began on March 12 and rapidly expanded because of winds gusting over 60 mph, tinder-dry prairie grass and red cedar under unseasonal heat and drought, officials say.
- The Morrill Fire has burned more than 643,000 acres and was 16% contained, while the Anderson Bridge and Road 203 fires have burned about 1,005 square miles overall.
- Relief efforts include Nebraska Cattlemen and Red Cross volunteers assisting ranchers like Glenna Sherfey and Connor Emsweiler, as dozens of structures burned and evacuations near Jeffrey Reservoir occurred.
- Fire crews entered their seventh day Wednesday, with lighter winds expected Thursday and Friday, while Saturday may bring stronger winds and near 90°F heat, officials warn.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Nebraska battling its largest wildfires in history - 800,000 acres burned and at least one person killed
Swaths of Nebraska are engulfed in fire, with some 800,000 acres burned and at least one person killed. The wildfires, which are the "largest wildfires in our history," according to a post on X by state's governor Jim Pillen, are being driven by a powerful heat wave across the western U.S. Temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit have combined with low humidity, high winds and extreme drought to increase the risk of fire in the state for at least the …
Historic Nebraska wildfires threaten cattle ranches and could drive up local beef prices
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:Western and central Nebraska are battling the biggest fires in state history, and those working with cattle are taking a big hit.I visited Wahoo to find out what is happening with local beef prices.Inside Wahoo Meat Locker, manager Connor Emsweiler tries to keep prices low for his products by shopping for wholesale beef. He said the Wahoo Weiner, made of pork and beef, is his most popular seller."Anyone whos ever lived here …
Holy Cow! Tens Of Thousands Of Cattle Displaced In Nebraska Wildfires
With 750,000+ acres of agricultural land destroyed by wildfire, Nebraska ranchers are facing tough decisions about where to graze their cattle. Jim Magagna, of the Wyoming Stockgrowers, says as Wyoming is also in a drought, can’t offer much pasture.
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