At least 1 dead as Nebraska wildfires scorch nearly 800,000 acres
By Dennis Romero
Published on March 18, 2026.
Nebraska's wildfires have scorched nearly 800,000 acres and have been blamed for at least one death. Governor Jim Pillen and incident commanders expressed optimism that the blazes may soon turn a corner. The Morrill Fire, the largest of the state's four major wildfires, has burned 572,084 acres and is currently 18% contained. The fires have been burning since last week amid low humidity and strong winds, with most starting on Thursday. Red flag warnings for much of the region are expected to return for several days. An estimated 300 residents in the area of the fire were under evacuation orders but allowed to return to their homes.
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