Largest wildfire in Nebraska history scorches over 540,000 acres as multiple others continue to burn
Wildfires have erupted across the state of Nebraska, with gusty winds and low humidity fueling fire risk through the weekend.
Wildfires have erupted across the state of Nebraska, leaving one dead as gusty winds and low humidity fuel fire risk through the weekend.
Multiple fires have erupted since Thursday, with local and state officials working tirelessly to contain the fires.
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency reported on Friday responding to 24 wildfires in 24 hours.
Saturday was also a day for critical fire weather danger, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced a state of emergency order for the counties impacted on Friday.
"These fires present a significant and active danger, given current weather conditions," Gov. Pillen said. "Anyone living within proximity to current wildfires is urged to heed communications issued by local authorities, including their respective county emergency management agencies."
The Morrill Fire, the largest wildfire in the state's history, has burned more than 540,000 acres since it started on Thursday. The fire continues to burn near Sidney, Nebraska, with 0% containment.
Nearby in Oklahoma, residents in Sayre were told to evacuate due to an encroaching wildfire on Sunday. Authorities said a reunification center is set up at Sayre Public Schools.
The Arthur County Sheriff's Office confirmed one person died as a result of the Morrill Fire.
The fire has spread across four counties: Morrill, Arthur, Keith and Garden.
Another fire, called the Road 203 Fire, burns in the Nebraska National Forest and is 40,000 acres.
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The Anderson Bridge Fire is reported at over 16,000 acres and is burning in Cherry County.
In addition to the state of emergency, Gov. Pillen announced the activation of the Nebraska National Guard to help fight the fires.
"The fires have grown beyond the capacity of local wildland fire responders and firefighters," a news release said.
All three fires remain uncontained.
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Several other wildfires burnt across the state, including in Lincoln and Dawson counties.
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office put some areas under evacuation on Friday, but they were lifted after a few hours.
Nebraska State Patrol, on behalf of Nebraska National Forest, announced an air restriction on Friday.
"Please, no drones are allowed in airspace above the Nebraska National Forest. Firefighting aircraft cannot and will not fly if airspace incursions occur," the post announcing the restriction said.
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A statewide burn ban was put in place on Friday, and will remain in effect until March 27.
A Red Flag Warning is in place through Saturday.
The FOX Forecast Center said the critical fire weather danger is expected to ease up soon.
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