Major wildfires in central and western Nebraska have claimed one life and burned 700,000 acres.
Governor Jim Pillen has issued an emergency declaration and the Specialized Rocky Complex Incident Teams have taken command of some of the fires.
Fire Departments from Omaha, Lincoln and communities across the state are sending personnel and equipment to assist volunteer firefighters.
The Morrill Fire, almost 75 miles long, connects several other fires stretching from Lake McConaughy by Ogallala to the Scottsbluff area. A woman was killed trying to escape. So far, the fire has burned nearly 550,000 acres.
The Cottonwood Fire has burned 100,000 acres, while the Road 203 fire has destroyed nearly 36,000 acres. The Anderson Bridge Fire has consumed 16,000 acres.
Strong winds, drought conditions and dry fuels continue to challenge containment efforts.
