Cottonwood Fire 2026
Cottonwood Fire is the 2nd-largest wildfire this season in Nebraska, burning 5 miles north of Curtis.
Latest update
A large wildfire started in the southeast corner of Lincoln County during late afternoon on Thursday, March 12 and entered Dawson County later that night. Winds from the west were very high and quickly spread the fire. Numerous evacuations took place as the fire rapidly spread to the south/southeast. Road closures occurred due to the impact of fire and smoke. Firefighters and community members heroically fought the fire since it started.
The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) assumed management of the Morrill and Cottonwood Fires on March 14. At 6 p.m. MDT March 28, Rocky Mountain CIMT 2 assumed command of the Ashby, Minor and Cottonwood Fires. Under the direction of the State of Nebraska, Rocky Mountain CIMT 2 transferred management responsibility of the Ashby, Minor, and Cottonwood Fires to local volunteer fire departments on Sunday, April 5, at 6 a.m. local time. Local jurisdictions will also be responsible for the initial and ongoing suppression of any new fires that may start.
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.
On Friday, March 13, Governor Jim Pillen is issued a statewide burn ban, to help reduce the potential for additional wildfires in Nebraska. Dry and windy conditions have caused the spread of significant fires in the central and western parts of the state. On March 26, the Governor’s executive order was extended through April 10, 2026.
Please avoid the fire area and do not interfere with firefighters while they are working. When travelling, please watch for firefighters and their vehicles as they operate along roadsides.
You can find information on resources available to farmers and ranchers impacted by the Nebraska wildfires by clicking on the following blue link Help. Additional information will be added when available. If you’d like to suggest an addition of a resource, please email agr.webmaster@nebraska.gov.
Please visit this link for additional information sources.