Ashby Fire 2026

A large wildfire started after midnight on Thursday, March 26 approximately 2 miles north of Ashby in Grant County. Due to high winds, it quickly ran 17 miles southward and burned into Morrill County and the area already burned by the Morrill Fire. An evacuation of Ashby took place as structures were threatened. Road closures occurred due to the impact of fire and smoke. 

The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) mobilized initial-attack resources from the nearby Morrill and Cottonwood Fires. They actively engaged the fire and assisted local volunteer fire departments and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Wildland Incident Response and Assistance Team. At Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen’s request, Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 1 assisted with both the Ashby and nearby Minor Fire. 

The incident has additional initial-attack groups staged and ready to immediately respond to requests from local or state officials to assist with the initial suppression of any other new fires that may start. 

 At 6 p.m. MDT March 28, Rocky Mountain CIMT 2 assumed command of the Ashby, Minor and Cottonwood Fires and provided statewide initial attack response.  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.

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.