Wildfires burning across western and central Nebraska have scorched hundreds of thousands of acres, prompting emergency action from state and federal officials while ranchers and agricultural organizations mobilize support for affected producers.
According to a March 18 update from fire officials, the Morrill Fire had burned 643,361 acres and was 16% contained, while the Cottonwood Fire had burned 131,259 acres and was 40% contained. Both fires are being managed by the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1. By the morning of March 20, the Morrill Fire was 98% contained and the Cottonwood Fire was 80% contained.
Additionally, the Nebraska Examiner reports that as of March 17, the Anderson Bridge Fire burned 17,400 acres and was 60% contained, and the Road 203 Fire burned 35,814 acres and was 36% contained. As of the morning of March 20, the Road 203 Fire was 76% contained.
The fires have caused one death, damaged buildings and affected grazing land supporting about 35,000 head of cattle.
The scale of the fires has prompted action from state leaders. Gov. Jim Pillen (R) issued an executive order temporarily waiving certain transportation regulations to support relief operations. The order allows commercial motor carriers hauling emergency supplies such as livestock feed and other materials to receive temporary relief from hours-of-service restrictions and certain size and weight regulations for 14 days.
The executive order followed the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency, authorizing the deployment of state resources, including 26 National Guard personnel, a fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter for aerial water drops.
At the federal level, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA is coordinating with state and local officials to support wildfire response efforts.
“USDA and Forest Service crews, engines, and aviation resources are working alongside state and local partners to protect communities and contain these fast-moving fires,” Rollins said in a message posted on X after speaking with Pillen. She added that federal officials are also exploring options to provide flexibility for ranchers, including moving grazing permittees to other available allotments where possible.
Relief efforts
Agriculture officials are also working to connect affected ranchers with relief resources. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture said it is coordinating assistance to help producers obtain hay, feedstuffs, fencing materials, equipment and volunteer support as the fires continue to impact farm and ranch operations.
Producers who need assistance can contact the department via a hotline at 1-800-831-0550 or online at bit.ly/ndadonationsupplies. Individuals willing to donate supplies are also encouraged to report their available resources. State officials said information collected will be used to match donations and volunteer help with ranchers who need it most.
The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund was activated to provide financial assistance to affected cattle producers. Donations can be mailed to the relief fund at 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521, or online at tinyurl.com/25mpem5e.
Funds will be distributed only to producers who experienced property loss or damage in areas where fires were reported, including disaster-declared regions affected by the Morrill County and Cottonwood fires. The Nebraska Cattlemen notes that membership is not required to apply; applications are open until further notice, and payments will be issued after the application period closes.
The Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief Fund, administered through the Kearney Community Foundation as a 501(c)(3), was established to assist victims of recent wildfires by supporting disaster recovery and helping restore quality of life. Donations can be made online via the provided link or by mailing checks payable to “Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief” to PO Box 291, Oshkosh, NE 69154, or online at tinyurl.com/y7n6ff5u. A local grants committee will review applications and distribute funds based on demonstrated need.
Aftercare and documentation
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension is urging producers to prioritize livestock safety and to monitor closely in the aftermath of wildfires. UNL Extension advises keeping cattle out of recently burned areas due to risks from ash, hot spots and smoldering debris that can injure hooves and soft tissue. Producers should evaluate animals repeatedly in the days and weeks following a fire, watching for delayed signs of burn damage—particularly to hooves—and respiratory issues from smoke exposure.
UNL Extension recommends checking vulnerable areas such as udders, eyes and reproductive organs, minimizing cattle handling during smoky conditions, and working closely with veterinarians on treatment decisions, including pain management or humane euthanasia when necessary. Access to clean water and short-term nutritional support is also critical, especially where forage losses have occurred.
UNL emphasized the need for thorough documentation for affected producers. Before moving carcasses or repairing infrastructure, UNL recommends taking clear, time-stamped photographs of livestock losses, injuries and damage to fences, feed supplies and water systems, while also recording tag numbers, brands and locations. Maintaining veterinary records and sale receipts for animals lost after the fire is also critical, as compensation may still apply.
Producers should contact insurance providers early and follow state-approved carcass disposal methods, as timing and procedures may affect claims. UNL further advises coordinating with USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service before making grazing or fencing changes to ensure eligibility for disaster assistance programs.
Finally, the stress of wildfire recovery should not be overlooked. The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline (800-464-0258) offers confidential support for emotional, financial and legal concerns related to disasters. — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing editor
