The 2026 Nebraska wildfires are a series of active wildfires currently ongoing in Nebraska.
Background While "fire season" varies every year in Nebraska, most wildfires occur in between February and April. However, there is an increasing fire danger in the late winter months. Fire conditions can be exacerbated by drought, strong winds, and vegetation growth. Climate change is leading to increased temperatures, lower humidity levels, and drought conditions are happening more often. Additionally, warmer temperatures and less precipitation can result in less snowmelt, further contributing to bad wildfire conditions. The previous winter (2025-2026) was one of the warmest and driest on record in Nebraska, increasing the risk of wildfires.
List of wildfires
The following is a list of fires that burned more than , produced significant structural damage, or resulted in casualties. NameCounty AcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef.Road 203Blaine, ThomasAnderson BridgeCherryMorrillMorrill, Garden, Arthur, KeithCaused evacuations for Lewellen and areas around Lake McConaughy. Ran approximately 70 miles in one day. Largest recorded single wildfire in modern state history as well as one of the largest in United States history. (see article) CottonwoodDawson, Lincoln, FrontierCaused numerous evacuations for Farnam and surrounding areas. Destroyed over 40 structures, and is the second largest recorded wildfire in state history behind only the Morill fire.AshbySheridan, Grant, Garden, CherryCaused evacuations for Ashby and Hyannis. burned near the Morrill fire.MinorGrantPresseyCusterBurned north of Oconto.DalyMcPhersonBurned west of Tryon.VasaArthurBurning north of Keystone. Will remain at 98% containment until significant precipitation.PetersonHoltAsh PoleDawesBurned southeast of Crawford.South ForkSioux, DawesJumped and closed highway 20 and burned in the Soldier Creek Wilderness along with Robinson State Park and Wilderness. Prompted evacuations and threatened the city of Crawford.Log RoadSiouxBurned near the South Fork Fire burn scar east-northeast of Harrison.
References