Fire Update: Ashby, Minor, Cottonwood and Morrill, March 28

Incident Transitions: Rocky Mountain CIMT 1, under the leadership of Incident Commander Justin Conrad, appreciates the support it received from the entire state of Nebraska and, in particular, the local communities affected by these unprecedented wildfires. At 6 p.m. MDT Saturday, Rocky Mountain CIMT 2 will assume command of the Ashby, Minor and Cottonwood Fires. Resources will remain available to provide statewide initial-attack response. As with its predecessor, Rocky Mountain CIMT 2 will manage all fires under the direction of the State of Nebraska. The team will continue to release a daily fire update and maintain websites. New contact information will be in Sunday’s update and on incident websites (see Linktree, above) by Saturday evening.

 

Also at 6 p.m., management responsibility of the Morrill Fire will transfer to local fire departments. Contact the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency public information officer at 402-326-3179 with questions regarding the Morrill Fire, or refer to the agency’s website (nema.nebraska.gov) or Facebook page (facebook.com/nema.page).

 

Ashby and Minor Fires: As expected Friday, calmer, cooler weather conditions reduced fire activity on both fires. As a result, firefighters made significant progress extinguishing hotspots and successfully kept both fires from growing larger. No assistance from aerial resources was required. With Saturday’s strong southerly winds, fire activity could increase and containment lines will be tested. Both fires will be staffed with several engine crews, and National Guard Black Hawk helicopters are available to assist if needed. Operations personnel from Rocky Mountain CIMT 2 will be on-site, gaining awareness and familiarity with the operational plans and strategies.

 

Cottonwood Fire: The Cottonwood Fire was declared 100 percent contained on Friday. Very minimal fire activity was observed within the fire’s interior, and no assistance from aerial resources was required. The fire remains staffed Saturday with crews mopping up hotspots; full containment does not equate to the fire being out.

 

Morrill Fire: Hotspots continue to periodically flare up within the fire’s interior. A small contingent of engine crews will patrol and monitor the fire Saturday. Their presence ensures that unburned grass and vegetation will be preserved as much as possible. The crews will assist the Ashby and Minor Fires if needed. The 642,029-acre Morrill Fire is 100 percent contained.

 

Weather and Fire Behavior: A statewide Red Flag Warning is in effect Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. MDT for very low humidity and strong southerly winds. Temperatures will be close to 80 degrees. Relative humidity levels as low as 10 percent are possible. Wind gusts will decrease to only 25 mph by afternoon. With such critical fire weather conditions, if new fires were to start, they would likely spread very rapidly (e.g., 4–7 mph in grass) in vegetation—both dead and live—that is historically dry. As you recreate or work outdoors, remain vigilant. Report new fires by calling 911. For information on air quality and wildfire smoke, Fire.AirNow.gov is a good source.

 

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in effect over the Ashby and Minor Fires; information is available at tfr.faa.gov. Incident aircraft are actively engaged in firefighting support. Adhering to the flight restriction and reducing aerial traffic around all fires keeps our air crews safe. If you fly, we can’t!

 

Ashby Fire Statistics
Minor Fire Statistics
Cottonwood Fire Statistics
  Size: 36,193 acres

  Containment: 46%

  Personnel: 45

  Cause: undetermined
  Size: 13,805 acres

  Containment: 7%

  Personnel: 43

  Cause: undetermined
  Size: 129,253 acres

  Containment: 100%

  Personnel: 154

  Cause: undetermined