Western Nebraska – Critical wildfire conditions are expected Saturday afternoon across portions of western and southwestern Nebraska as a Red Flag Warning takes effect.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST Saturday for fire weather zones 204 and 210, which include the Eastern Panhandle near Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Frenchman Basin. These areas cover parts of the western Sandhills and southwestern Nebraska, where dry fuels and strong winds will align during the afternoon.
Forecasters report northwest winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 30 miles per hour, combined with very low relative humidity near 15 percent. Afternoon temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 60s to lower 70s, further drying grasses and increasing ignition potential.
The National Weather Service warns that any fire that starts could grow quickly and spread rapidly, becoming difficult to control in open rangeland and grassland areas. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and activities that could create sparks — including welding, equipment use, and parking vehicles on dry grass — should be avoided.
Fire danger is elevated along travel corridors such as U.S. Highway 26, U.S. Highway 83, and Nebraska Highway 61, where roadside ignitions can occur under windy conditions. Ranchers, farmers, and recreational users in and around the Sandhills are urged to use heightened caution.
Emergency officials emphasize that Red Flag Warnings indicate either ongoing or imminent critical fire weather conditions. Even a small ignition could threaten pastureland, wildlife habitat, and nearby structures before suppression resources can respond.
Conditions are expected to improve after sunset as winds decrease and humidity levels recover. Until then, residents and workers across western Nebraska are encouraged to remain alert, avoid outdoor burning, and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.
