Listen to the full interview with Information Officer Brian Scott on our Kubota Podcast
Containment is increasing on several major wildfires burning across western Nebraska, but fire officials say the public should rethink how they support crews as response efforts evolve.
The Cottonwood and Morrill fires—part of a broader outbreak that has scorched significant acreage—are now being managed with the support of a Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team. While progress has been made, authorities stress the fires are not fully under control.
Officials say containment only reflects areas where crews are confident the fire will not spread further.
“We’re extremely comfortable that it’s cooled down enough that it won’t expand,” said information officer Brian Scott. “But areas without that marking still need to be secured.”
With warmer temperatures and dry conditions expected, firefighters anticipate the coming days will test those containment lines, particularly in areas where heat remains.
The current response builds on days of intense effort from local volunteer fire departments, ranchers, and residents, many of whom worked with little rest to slow the fires early on. Private landowners also assisted by hauling water and using farm equipment to help cut fire lines.
“It’s amazing what they’ve done,” Scott said. “I saw private landowners hauling water… using equipment to cut the fire off, and firefighters running on very little sleep.”
As additional crews from across the region and country arrive, operations have become more structured, with teams now working out of multiple locations, including Ogallala, to manage fires spread across a wide area.
At the same time, officials are addressing confusion around donations.
While the outpouring of support has been significant, fire managers say food donations are no longer needed at fire camps due to safety and logistical requirements.
“We have a caterer here now that fulfills the standards required for our firefighters,” Scott said. “So we can’t accept outside food.”
Instead, residents are encouraged to direct donations to organizations supporting displaced residents and local relief efforts, such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way. Local fire departments are also asking people to check before dropping off supplies, as many have reported being overwhelmed with donated goods.
Monetary donations, officials say, are often the most effective way to help—especially as departments prepare for what could be a challenging fire season following a dry winter.
Despite the scale of the fires, officials say the community response has been a critical factor in slowing their spread.
“We’re set up for success because of the hard work and dedication of the local volunteer fire departments, ranchers, and farmers,” Scott said. “It’s amazing to see.”
Crews will continue working in the coming days to strengthen containment lines and monitor for flare-ups as conditions remain volatile.