The Event

In March 2026, Nebraska faced a historic wildfire outbreak. Extreme drought, record-low humidity, and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph created "megafire" conditions across the Sandhills. Over 820,000 acres burned statewide, shattering the previous annual record set in 2012.

The Morrill Fire: Nebraska’s Largest Wildfire

The Morrill Fire is now the largest single wildfire in Nebraska history, surpassing the size of the state of Rhode Island.

  • Acreage: 643,361 acres.

  • Perimeter: Nearly 400 miles.

  • Counties Affected: Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Grant, and Keith.

Timeline: Ignited March 12, 2026, northeast of Bridgeport; reached 100% containment on March 25, 2026. Sand Hills area fires reignited on March 26, 2026.

Movement. Driven by a cold front, the fire traveled 70 miles in under 12 hours, overrunning the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and threatening the north shore of Lake McConaughy.

Major Impacts:

Agricultural. An estimated 35,000+ head of cattle were in the fire's direct path. Significant losses include livestock, thousands of miles of fencing, and vital spring grazing land.

Human. One confirmed fatality (Arthur County). Numerous structures and homes were destroyed, including those of first responders.

Environmental. Historic loss of prairie habitat and significant damage to the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Other Significant Fires:

Cottonwood Fire: ~128,000 acres (Lincoln & Dawson Counties).

Road 203 Fire: ~36,000 acres (Thomas & Blaine Counties/Nebraska National Forest).

Anderson Bridge Fire: ~17,400 acres (Cherry County).

Donation & Relief Resource Guide

  • The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is the primary coordinator for matching physical donations with producers in need.

    • NDA Hotline: 1-800-831-0550

    • Online Registry: nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources (Use the "Available and Requested Donations" link).

    • Transportation: To volunteer trucking or coordinate a delivery of hay/fencing, contact Steve Rice at (308) 695-4231.

    • Bridgeport: Kraupie’s Northport Lot – (308) 279-1692

    • Oshkosh: Heartland Lumber – (308) 458-7470

    • Arthur: Crusty’s Feed Store – (308) 764-2259

    • Hyannis: Grant County Fairgrounds – (682) 262-0942

    • Gordon: Gordon Livestock Market – (308) 282-1171

    • Ogallala:

      • Ogallala Ag Supply – (308) 284-6424

      • Ogallala Livestock Auction Market – (308) 284-2071 

    • Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund: 100% of funds go to beef producers. Give at nebraskacattlemen.org.

    • Sandhills Rancher Relief Fund: Focused on Garden, Morrill, Arthur, Keith, and Grant counties. Contact the Kearney Area Community Foundation at (308) 237-3114.

    • Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund: Managed by the Nebraska Community Foundation for long-term community rebuilding. Give at nebcommfound.org.

    • ALERT Foundation: A Nebraska 501(c)(3) providing immediate aid to rural families and fire departments.

    • FSA Programs: Contact your local USDA Service Center to file a "Notice of Loss" for programs like the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) for fence repair.

    • Rural Response Hotline: For those feeling overwhelmed or stressed: 1-800-464-0258.

Chadron Community Foundation (CCF) Relief Efforts

Mission & Role in Recovery

The Chadron Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to community improvement in Chadron and the surrounding region. During the 2026 wildfire crisis, the CCF serves as a local "gap-filler," focusing on immediate financial support to help the helpers of fire victims.  

How to Donate to the Fire Relief Fund

The CCF provides a transparent, local vehicle for donors who want their contributions to stay within the Dawes and Sheridan County areas.

  • Online Donations. Secure contributions can be made here.

  • By Mail.  Send checks payable to Morrill Fire Relief Fund to:

    • Morrill Fire Relief Fund, %Chadron Community Foundation, PO Box 1351, Chadron, NE 69337

  • Local Drop Points.  Cash or check donations may be dropped off at Crusty’s Feed Store in Arthur or Ogallala Ag Supply. 

Direct Contact for Major Gifts: Steve Cleveland (President): (308) 430-0165