Morrill Fire reaches 100% containment; crews remain on alert as fire weather intensifies

OGALLALA, Neb. — The Morrill Fire, the largest wildfire in Nebraska history, has reached 100% containment after burning more than 642,000 acres across five counties over the past 13 days.

Fire officials confirmed the milestone Wednesday morning. The fire, which began March 12 northeast of Bridgeport near County Roads 108 and 117, was sparked by a downed power line during extreme wind conditions. It ultimately impacted Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Keith and Grant counties, stretching more than 80 miles at its peak. United States Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Monday the Morrill Fire is the ninth largest fire is U.S. history.

Despite full containment, crews will continue patrolling the burn area, as unburned vegetation and isolated hotspots remain within the fire’s footprint. Officials say flare-ups and visible smoke are still possible, especially with hot, dry and windy conditions returning to the region.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach the low 90s, humidity dropping into the single digits and wind gusts up to 30 mph.

Meanwhile, the Cottonwood Fire is now 98% contained at more than 129,000 acres, with crews continuing to secure remaining uncontained sections and respond to interior flare-ups.

Fire managers are staging rapid-response resources across western Nebraska as the risk for new fires remains high.