Firefighters continue making progress on both the Cottonwood and Morrill Fires, with containment increasing as crews work to secure remaining hotspots ahead of critical fire weather conditions expected this weekend.
According to Friday’s update from Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1, the Morrill Fire is 98% contained and the Cottonwood Fire is 80% contained.
Officials emphasized that “containment pertains to how secure and resistant to spread the fire is” and “does not indicate how much work remains in the overall suppression effort.”
The release states that both fires remained within their perimeters despite recent conditions, noting “fire activity that did occur was on interior portions of both fires as pockets of unburned vegetation ignited and were consumed.”
Fire managers say crews are now focused on a slower, more detailed phase of suppression. “Methodically extinguishing heat sources near the perimeters is a time-consuming, but critical, phase of fire suppression,” according to the update.
The fires continue to present challenges due to terrain and fuel types. Officials noted “both fires burned across varied terrain, some of which is not easy to access by engines or on foot,” adding that vegetation such as cottonwoods and eastern red cedar “can be difficult to extinguish when burning or smoldering.”
On the Cottonwood Fire, activity remains in areas west of Jeffrey Reservoir. The release states “dense stands of eastern redcedar… are occasionally igniting and producing abundant smoke,” but clarifies “the flare-ups are on the fire’s interior and are not expected to expand beyond existing firelines.”
Crews are continuing direct suppression work in those areas, with “five twenty-person crews… constructing fireline with hand tools directly on the fire’s edge and extinguishing hotspots.” Black Hawk helicopters are also assisting with water drops on smoldering vegetation.
On the Morrill Fire, activity has been more limited. Officials reported “minimal fire activity Thursday as they patrolled the perimeter and extinguished heat lingering in the duff layer, stumps, and roots.” Helicopters are also being used near Lake McConaughy to target hotspots in difficult-to-access areas.
Fire managers warn that weather conditions remain a concern. The update states that conditions are “unseasonably hot and dry,” with temperatures expected in the 80s Friday and increasing further into the weekend.
“Expected weather conditions Saturday are 35 mph westerly wind, single-digit relative humidity levels, and record-setting temperatures in the low 90s,” the release states, warning that “any new fires would likely spread rapidly.”
In preparation, some firefighting resources are being reassigned. Officials said night crews “will transition to day shift Saturday and become a dedicated initial-attack group, prepared to respond immediately if any new fires were to start.”
Additional resources are also being positioned to assist local departments if needed, with crews available to support fire response efforts across Nebraska.
Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place over both fires. Officials remind the public that “wildfires are no-fly zones for unauthorized aircraft, including drones,” adding, “If you fly, we can’t.”