Fire crews continue to make progress on several large wildfires burning across western Nebraska, while remaining on high alert as dangerous fire weather conditions return Monday.
The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 reported minimal fire activity Sunday on both the Ashby and Minor Fires, allowing crews to focus on strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hotspots.
Operations Section Chief Nathan Hallam said crews were able to improve containment in key areas.
“We were able to increase containment along the eastern edge of the Minor,” Hallam said. “All of the eastern edge of Minor is now contained and then all of Ashby along the eastern edge and western edge all the way up to the highway is now contained.”
The Ashby Fire is now estimated at 36,004 acres and 51 percent contained, while the Minor Fire has burned 14,082 acres and is 30 percent contained.
Despite the progress, some interior heat remains—especially on the Ashby Fire—where smoldering materials may continue to produce visible smoke.
“Ashby could put up some smoke today from some hay bales that have been burning,” Hallam said. “Those are well interior of the black. No threat of escape at this time.”
The Cottonwood Fire, which has burned more than 129,000 acres, is now 100 percent contained, but crews are still working within the fire perimeter to address flare-ups. Those hotspots produced heavy smoke Sunday and prompted multiple 911 calls.
“That was well interior, no threat of escape, but it was putting up a lot of smoke and creating a lot of 911 calls,” Hallam said.
Firefighters, along with National Guard Black Hawk helicopters, conducted water drops and mop-up operations to reduce heat in those areas. Crews will continue that work Monday as conditions allow.
In addition to managing ongoing fires, crews responded to new starts Sunday, including the Johnson Hills Fire southeast of Bertrand. That fire is now mostly contained at under 600 acres, with resources remaining on scene.
Statewide, firefighting resources have been strategically positioned in communities including Alliance, Ogallala, Broken Bow and Columbus to ensure rapid response to any new fires.
However, officials warn that conditions Monday could quickly change the situation.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect across much of western Nebraska, with temperatures expected in the mid to upper 80s, very low humidity, and strong winds. Fire managers say those conditions could lead to extreme fire behavior if new fires ignite.
“Red Flag Warning, high winds, approaching storm tonight, all the things that line up for extreme fire behavior,” Hallam said. “We want to maintain rapid response across the state wherever needed to protect the values threatened.”
Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid activities that could spark a fire, and report any new fires immediately by calling 911.
There are currently no temporary flight restrictions in place over the fires, but incident commanders ask the public to limit aerial activity near fire areas to help keep firefighting aircraft safe.