LINCOLN, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — As another rash of wildfires burned across Nebraska, officials on the ground say conditions are improving. Looking at the two most recent fires, officials say the Minor Fire is now 100 percent contained after burning more than 14,000 acres in recent days. The Ashby Fire, which has burned more than 36,000 acres, is now 97 percent contained.
However, these wildfires and others in recent months across Farm Country this spring have left a path of destruction, causing damage still being tallied, including the Morrill Fire, the largest in Nebraska’s history. Nebraska bison producer Dave Schroth says it appeared the animals knew what was happening as the flames began to roll in.
“The herd was in a group, you know, they’re not spread out; they were pretty tight up on a hill,’ Schroth recalled. “It’s almost like they were trying to see where it was. You know, as mainly wild animals still, [bison] understand fires. They’ve grown up with fire for generations. And so, they kind of get it. But we were very fortunate that we didn’t have to do anything.”
The Morrill Fire was brought under control after days of multi-state efforts to extinguish it.
According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
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