The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) assumed management of the Morrill and Cottonwood fires Saturday evening as firefighting efforts continue in western Nebraska.
Incident officials say the team will work closely with local resources that have been battling the fires since they began.
“We want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of the local resources who have been working these challenging fires,” officials said in the Sunday morning update.
Complex Incident Management Teams are typically brought in when wildfires grow more complex and require additional resources. The Rocky Mountain CIMT1 includes local, state, and federal personnel from Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Members are specially trained for incident management roles such as operations, logistics, planning, finance, and public information.
Officials say maps, size estimates, and other statistics were not available Sunday morning but are expected to accompany future updates.
Current Fire Activity
Operations personnel spent Saturday working alongside local crews on both fires to become familiar with the area. Additional resources are expected to arrive as the team continues scouting and planning.
However, high winds are expected to keep firefighting aircraft grounded Sunday.
Cottonwood Fire
On the Cottonwood Fire, crews will assess structure protection needs on the north side of the fire. Personnel on the northwest side will scout areas where they may be able to directly engage the fire and identify locations where holding lines could be successful.
Local crews will continue patrolling and mopping up along the south and southeast flanks of the fire, where activity has decreased.
Morrill Fire
The Morrill Fire pushed south Saturday in the Clear Creek area west of Lake McConaughy but did not cross the North Platte River.
Today, team personnel will support local resources working the fire while continuing to scout the area and track resources. A structure protection group will also conduct assessments.
Weather and Fire Conditions
A high wind warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. MDT Sunday, with northwest wind gusts expected to exceed 50 miles per hour. Those conditions could lead to rapid fire spread.
Snow fell on the northwest side of the Morrill Fire, but officials say strong winds may limit its impact on fire behavior.
With overnight temperatures expected to drop below 10 degrees, firefighters must take extra precautions to protect engines and equipment, including draining water systems, parking vehicles inside when possible, and using antifreeze.
While temperatures are cold now, forecasters say hot and dry conditions could return later this week with the possibility of record temperatures. The region is currently experiencing significant drought, and dry fuels remain highly receptive to fire.
Airspace Restrictions
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over both fires. Officials remind the public that wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones.
“If you fly, we can’t,” officials warn, noting that unauthorized aircraft can ground firefighting air resources. More information is available at knowbeforeyoufly.org.