Nebraska Fires: Evacuation Orders Lifted in Lancaster County as Crews Battle Blazes Near Crete and in Dawson County
nebraska fires pushed firefighters and law enforcement into rapid response on Thursday as multiple grass and brush fires broke out across parts of the state. In southwest Lancaster County, evacuation orders were later lifted as containment improved, while separate fire activity near Crete and in southwest Dawson County drove road closures and new evacuation instructions. The developments unfolded through Thursday afternoon into the night, with agencies urging residents to avoid affected areas and follow directions from responders.
Evacuations Lifted in Southwest Lancaster County
In southwest Lancaster County, firefighters battled two grass fires just northwest and southwest of Denton and a third fire east of Crete at about 1: 50 p. m. ET Thursday, while crews also worked on additional grass fires that broke out through the afternoon.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said at 5: 50 p. m. ET that a few grass fires were still “popping up” in the county, but that everything was mostly contained. The sheriff’s office also said a fire in the area of SW 112th and W Pioneers was contained around 2: 20 p. m. ET, and the evacuation order for residents in that area was lifted.
Another evacuation order—covering residents in the area of SW 100th and Wittstruck and SW 84th and Wittstruck—was lifted just before 6 p. m. ET. The fire was described as contained, with crews still working in the area.
Nebraska Fires Spur Road Closures and Shelter Guidance in Dawson County
In southwest Dawson County, crews continued battling a brush fire that started south of Maxwell on Thursday, prompting evacuations and closures. Mutual aid from Lexington, Cozad, and Arnold was assisting as the response expanded.
An evacuation order was issued for the Village of Farnam, the Jeffrey Lake area, all houses 2–3 miles south of Gothenburg, and south of Tri City and east of Highway 47. Highway 47 was closed in both directions from the Gothenburg interchange to Highway 23, and the public was asked to avoid the area and take alternate routes while emergency personnel worked.
The National Weather Service said the wildfire in southwest Dawson County was expected to turn south with a wind shift at 10 p. m. ET and threaten the town of Farnam. Evacuees in the Farnam area were advised to go to Eustis Public Schools as a safe location. Brady School in Brady, Nebraska, was also listed as open with food, water, blankets, and beds, while Gothenburg Schools was noted as not open as a shelter at that time.
Near Crete, Multiple Departments Respond as Roads Close
Near Crete on Thursday, a massive wildfire led law enforcement to close off at least a mile of Wittstruck Road between SW 86th and SW 100th streets. Crews from Lincoln, Hallam, Wilbur, Bennett, Crete, and the Southwest Rural Fire Department responded.
Officials cited concern that the fire could spread and eventually cross into the area as one reason for the closures. Tractors were also seen in the area, and a resident said they would be used to disk corn fields to help stop the spread. The cause of the fire had not been determined.
Additional Closures in Gage County Amid High Winds and Smoke
In Gage County, Highway 77 was closed in both directions from West Hickory Road to West Pickrell Road due to a grass fire on Thursday, then reopened by 4: 16 p. m. ET. The Gage County Sheriff’s Office said firefighters were battling the fire with high winds and smoke.
What’s Next
Officials across the impacted areas continued to urge residents to avoid fire zones and keep roads clear for emergency access, with responders still working active scenes even where containment was improving. As nebraska fires remain active in multiple locations, the next updates are expected to focus on changing evacuation instructions, road access, and whether shifting winds alter suppression plans later Thursday night.
