Gov. Jim Pillen surveyed the wildfires that are wreaking havoc on multiple parts of Nebraska. Sen. Pete Ricketts and Rep. Adrian Smith joined the governor. At least one person has been killed in the fire in Arthur County, which started in Morrill County.READ MORE: Wildfires in western Nebraska kill one person, blazes rage onAccording to a news release from the governor’s office, the three wildfires have damaged approximately 600,000 acres.The Morrill Fire has consumed 460,000 acres; the Cottonwood Fire near Gothenburg, Nebraska, has damaged 100,000 acres; and the Road 203 Fire near Halsey, Nebraska has burned 40,000 acres.The Nebraska National Guard has deployed 29 airmen and soldiers to help local firefighters in both central and western Nebraska. Two Nebraska Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters are also working to fight the blazes from the sky.“We are working to get more resources into the state, but as we heard, there are multiple fires across multiple states,” said Lt. Col. Henrickson. “We are still working to see what is available and of course, bring that up in a unified effort here with the local emergency management team as well as our Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).”Pillen called on mayors in Omaha, Lincoln, and Columbus to see if they can provide additional personnel and equipment, while also mentioning he would contact nearby states like Iowa to ask for help.“I think it’s important that all Nebraskans pray. The circumstances have not changed. Yesterday was one of the toughest days, and through the night, that we’ve probably ever experienced in our state,” said Pillen. “Tomorrow, the winds are supposed to be extraordinary.”Following Pillen’s call to action, Lincoln’s fire chief Dave Engler said he is sending 11 personnel who are certified wildfire responders as well as a brush rig, a water tender, a structural engine, several mules, and equipment.Omaha fire is also sending personnel and equipment. Eight firefighters, one engine for structural protection and active suppression, one water tender, and one brush truck will head to Keith County for seven days or “as their assistance is required to protect lives and property from the advancing flames.”“Our hearts go out to the residents of Keith County,” said Mayor John Ewing Jr. “Omaha stands ready to support our neighbors. By deploying these resources, we are providing critical relief to local crews while ensuring that our own city remains fully protected and staffed for local emergencies.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

KEITH COUNTY, Neb. —

Gov. Jim Pillen surveyed the wildfires that are wreaking havoc on multiple parts of Nebraska. Sen. Pete Ricketts and Rep. Adrian Smith joined the governor.

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Nebraskans are strong and resilient, and we will get through these fires together.

Today we toured the affected areas and met with local officials to discuss current containment levels and next steps.

Thank you to the brave volunteer firefighters and first responders working… pic.twitter.com/qi9As4ImEO

— Rep. Adrian Smith (@RepAdrianSmith) March 14, 2026

At least one person has been killed in the fire in Arthur County, which started in Morrill County.

READ MORE: Wildfires in western Nebraska kill one person, blazes rage on

According to a news release from the governor’s office, the three wildfires have damaged approximately 600,000 acres.

The Morrill Fire has consumed 460,000 acres; the Cottonwood Fire near Gothenburg, Nebraska, has damaged 100,000 acres; and the Road 203 Fire near Halsey, Nebraska has burned 40,000 acres.

The Nebraska National Guard has deployed 29 airmen and soldiers to help local firefighters in both central and western Nebraska. Two Nebraska Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters are also working to fight the blazes from the sky.

“We are working to get more resources into the state, but as we heard, there are multiple fires across multiple states,” said Lt. Col. Henrickson. “We are still working to see what is available and of course, bring that up in a unified effort here with the local emergency management team as well as our Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).”

This content is imported from Twitter.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Today, we’re visiting areas affected by the wildfires in the central/western parts of our state — and receiving updates from local firefighters and military officials about Nebraska’s response. pic.twitter.com/yt4J7ifFRE

— Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) March 14, 2026

Pillen called on mayors in Omaha, Lincoln, and Columbus to see if they can provide additional personnel and equipment, while also mentioning he would contact nearby states like Iowa to ask for help.

“I think it’s important that all Nebraskans pray. The circumstances have not changed. Yesterday was one of the toughest days, and through the night, that we’ve probably ever experienced in our state,” said Pillen. “Tomorrow, the winds are supposed to be extraordinary.”

Following Pillen’s call to action, Lincoln’s fire chief Dave Engler said he is sending 11 personnel who are certified wildfire responders as well as a brush rig, a water tender, a structural engine, several mules, and equipment.

Omaha fire is also sending personnel and equipment.

Eight firefighters, one engine for structural protection and active suppression, one water tender, and one brush truck will head to Keith County for seven days or “as their assistance is required to protect lives and property from the advancing flames.”

“Our hearts go out to the residents of Keith County,” said Mayor John Ewing Jr. “Omaha stands ready to support our neighbors. By deploying these resources, we are providing critical relief to local crews while ensuring that our own city remains fully protected and staffed for local emergencies.

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.

NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |