As we are all devastatingly aware, Western Nebraska is dealing with the largest wildfire in state history as the Morrill Fire continues to burn across Morrill, Garden, Keith, Arthur, and Grant counties, consuming well over half a million acres. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 is managing both the Cottonwood and Morrill Fires under the direction of the State of Nebraska. Fire crews from across our state as well as other states, along with the Nebraska National Guard, are working tirelessly, often on little to no rest, while local landowners continue the fight using heavy equipment to help slow the flames.
Recent mapping flights have provided more accurate data on the Morrill Fire’s perimeter, accounting for a reported increase in acreage. This increase doesn’t reflect new fire growth, but rather improved mapping. In fact, containment is greater than currently depicted and will be reflected in updated reports. Despite strong winds earlier this week, neither fire has grown significantly beyond its established perimeter. Firefighters continue to make steady progress, constructing firelines, extinguishing hotspots, and protecting structures. Both fires remain staffed overnight, and crews are prepared to respond quickly to any new fires in the area.
My wife and I, along with others, have traveled the perimeters of the ongoing devastation, witnessed the loss, and felt the isolation… the astounding silence of a newly created desert in our counties and district. We have been meeting with landowners, cattle ranchers, elected officials and representatives, not to mention the many relentless, hard-working service members and fire fighters on the local, state and federal levels, who have all answered the call to assist with this tragic disaster. The impact to the agricultural culture as we know it will undoubtedly be severe and long-lasting. It is a sadly remarkable event that will be remembered by many and reflected upon for generations. This tragedy has also taken a profound human toll. Rose White, 86, of Arthur County, lost her life in the fire. A loss that has deeply affected the entire community.
Amid the devastation, communities have come together in remarkable ways. Donations of food, water, and supplies have poured in, neighbors are helping protect one another’s land and livestock, and a centralized fundraising effort is being organized to directly support affected ranching families with recovery costs such as feed, fencing, and rebuilding. Still, the response across western Nebraska has highlighted a powerful sense of unity and resilience, as communities stand together, supporting one another and holding onto hope for relief, rain and recovery.
There are numerous efforts available to provide and receive assistance in the constraints of this devastation. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has provided a disaster relief information sheet that can be accessed at nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources. Additionally, each county has a process for reducing the assessed value of real property, buildings and land, damaged before July 1 of the current year. To claim a reduction, go to the Revenue website: https://revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD and scroll down to the Damaged Real Property Report link, Form 425. The deadline for filing must occur prior to July 15th.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office in the midst of this difficult time for assistance. My office can be reached at (402) 471-2616 or by email at pstrommen@leg.ne.gov. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of you who are saying prayers, providing assistance, and believing in the power of our communities and Nebraska.