Morrill Fire
2026 wildfire in Nebraska
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The Morill Fire was a megafire that was burning in Keith County, Nebraska, Arthur County, Nebraska, Grant County, Nebraska, Garden County, Nebraska, and Morrill County, Nebraska. As of March 19, the fire has burned 643,361 acres (260,359 ha) and is 98% contained.[1] It is the largest wildfire in the United States during the 2026 wildfire season as well as the largest wildfire in Nebraska state history. the wildfire was part of an outbreak of wind driven grass fires which included this one (the biggest), the Cottonwood Fire: 128,192 acres, the Road 203 Fire: 35,912 acres, and the Anderson Bridge Fire: 17,400 acres. All four fires burned in total 824,865 acres. [2][3]
| Morrill Fire | |
|---|---|
| Part of the 2026 Nebraska wildfires | |
Aerial view of the fire on March 14 | |
| Date(s) | March 12, 2026 – March 25 2026 |
| Location | Keith County, Nebraska, Arthur County, Nebraska, Grant County, Nebraska, Garden County, Nebraska, Morrill County, Nebraska |
| Coordinates | 41.4627°N 102.5536°W |
| Statistics | |
| Perimeter | 100% contained |
| Burned area | 643,074 acres (260,243 ha) |
| Impacts | |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Ignition | |
| Cause | Under investigation |
Progression
The Morrill Fire was first reported at approximately 2:53 p.m. CST on March 12, 2026, northeast of Bridgeport, Nebraska. The cause remains under investigation,[1] though Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen suspected that the fire was caused by sparks from electrical wires damaged by high winds.[4][5]
Following the formation of the fire, the Morrill Fire traveled over 70 miles in under 12 hours, overrunning the area of the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge overnight and crossing into northern Arthur and southern Keith county, nearly making it to Lake McConaughy. During that time period, the fire threatened the city of Oshkosh and the village Lewellen. The next morning, aircraft were over the fire dropping retardant. It was reported that the fire front burned back over itself and forward progression was stopped on that part of the fire. During the afternoon, the fire was driven by strong northerly winds and pushed itself farther north through Garden County, prompting more evacuations. The estimated size of the fire continued to go up during the following days as mapping efforts improved, starting at 330,000 acres before growing to 453,299 acres, then 548,993 acres, and finally 643,361 acres. Containment on the fire increased significantly following no reported growth outside the fire's perimeter despite continued red flag conditions. The only exception was unburned fuels readily igniting within the burn scar and stands of red cedar holding heat. [6][1][7]
Background
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued a Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook for March 12, 2026, highlighting an Extremely Critical risk for portions of western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. Driven by 20–35 miles per hour (32–56 km/h) winds, and 15-20% humidity and low vegetation, the conditions created a high-impact, rapid fire spread environment.[8]
Effects
The fire caused evacuations for Lewellen and areas around Lake McConaughy and destroyed "numerous" structures.[9] Smoke was widespread and created hazardous air quality for much of Nebraska, northern Colorado, and northwestern Kansas.[10] It is the largest recorded single wildfire in Nebraska state history.[11] The fire killed one civilian, 86-year-old Rose White, a grandmother in Arthur County who died when the flames overtook her house.[12]