Photo credit: Nebraska State Patrol

Western and central Nebraska ranchers are battling devastating wildfires that began on March 12. The Morrill Fire, the largest of 24 wildfires, has burned more than 572,000 acres as of March 16 with no containment. It is the largest wildfire now in the state’s history and one of the top 30 in U.S. history. The Cottonwood Fire, east of North Platte, is at roughly 122,000 acres of burnt ground. These fast-moving fires are fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, forcing producers to scramble to protect livestock, fencing and grazing land.

For many ranchers, the fires destroyed critical pasture needed for the upcoming grazing season and created uncertainty about how quickly operations can recover. On top of the fires, a powerful March 15 blizzard swept across parts of north-central and northeast Nebraska bringing freezing temperatures, strong winds and heavy, wet snow that created dangerous conditions for ranchers in the middle of calving season.

Read the full article for additional insights and to view videos of emergency efforts.