Fire officials say both the Cottonwood and Morrill Fires continue to show strong progress, but crews remain on alert as warmer, drier, and windier conditions move into the region this week.
Operations Section Chief Rob Powell with Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 says Monday marks day nine of the team’s assignment, with crews expected to remain on the fires through Saturday.
Powell says while most of the fire activity is now in patrol status, there is still one uncontained area on the Morrill Fire that crews are closely watching. “We’ve decided to leave that uncontained for today due to the weather coming in… south winds, hard south winds… winds that we haven’t seen on this fire, so we just want to make sure that nothing squirts out of there.”
Crews are actively patrolling fire lines, checking for hotspots, and continuing outreach with area ranchers.
On the Cottonwood Fire, firefighters have been working steadily along the northwestern edge near Jeffrey Reservoir, improving containment with hand-built fireline. Officials report no growth in the fire’s perimeter Sunday, with activity limited to pockets of burning trees inside the fire area, primarily eastern redcedar.
Meanwhile, the Morrill Fire saw minimal activity, with only scattered heat remaining. A drone equipped with infrared technology detected some lingering heat in cottonwood groves, but fire managers say the risk of spread remains low.
Weather remains a major factor moving forward. Forecasters expect temperatures to climb well above normal for March, with strong south winds and low humidity increasing fire risk through midweek. Despite that, officials say no additional fire growth is expected at this time.
Crews are also assisting the State of Nebraska by sending some resources to help local departments respond to any new fires that may start under these conditions.
Work is also underway on suppression repair, restoring fire lines and impacted areas, with graders working to smooth berms and begin long-term recovery efforts. Powell says progress on containment will depend heavily on weather conditions, noting that hotter, drier air or shifting winds could slow that process.
Firefighters continue to monitor interior heat, particularly in areas with unburned vegetation. Powell says even small pockets of heat can grow under the right conditions, especially with strong winds.
Officials are also emphasizing the importance of mental health resources for firefighters and first responders who have been on the front lines. Free counseling sessions are being offered Monday in Gothenburg and Tuesday in Ogallala for those needing support. Powell says it is important for responders to know help is available as they process the intensity of the fires.
As of Monday morning, the Temporary Flight Restriction over the Morrill Fire has been lifted, though restrictions remain in place over portions of the Cottonwood Fire. Officials are reminding pilots to avoid the area to ensure safety for firefighting aircraft.
The Cottonwood Fire is currently estimated at 128,289 acres and 96 percent contained with 262 personnel assigned. The Morrill Fire is estimated at 642,029 acres and 98 percent contained with 191 personnel. Officials say crews remain well-positioned to respond to any flare-ups as conditions change throughout the week.