Wildfire in Keith, Nebraska

The Morrill fire entered northwestern Keith County during the evening hours of March 12th prompting the evacuation of residences and approximately 300 persons on the northwest side of Lake McConaughy. The fire continued and was contained on March 28th. A total of 37,212 acres were consumed in the fire and one outbuilding was destroyed.

Fire initiated southeast of Angora Nebraska in eastern Morrill County during the afternoon hours of March 12th. Aided by west-northwest winds, gusting over 50 MPH, fire raced to the east-southeast. By late evening on March 12th, the fire had tracked some 70 miles across Garden County into southwestern Arthur, far southwestern Grant, and northwestern Keith County. By the time the fire was contained on March 28th, 642,029 acres were consumed. The Morrill fire was the largest fire on record in the state of Nebraska. One direct fatality occurred as a result of the fire.