Scottsbluff, Nebraska – Explosive fire conditions could develop across the Nebraska Panhandle starting Sunday morning as powerful winds and extremely dry air combine to create a dangerous wildfire setup through Monday night.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 10 a.m. Sunday until 9 p.m. Monday for much of the western Nebraska Panhandle, including Scottsbluff, Alliance, Chadron and surrounding rural communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, west winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected each afternoon, while relative humidity could drop as low as 8 to 15 percent. Those conditions allow grass and brush to ignite easily and allow flames to spread quickly across open prairie.
The warning includes Scotts Bluff County, Box Butte County, the Pine Ridge region, and areas surrounding Scotts Bluff National Monument, where dry vegetation and spring winds often accelerate wildfire growth.
Fire officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, welding, or using equipment that could throw sparks, especially during the afternoon hours when wind speeds peak. Motorists traveling along U.S. Highway 26, Highway 71 and Interstate 80 are also advised to remain alert for potential grass fires near roadways.
Agricultural operations across the Panhandle should use caution with machinery and avoid parking vehicles in tall grass, which can ignite when engines or exhaust systems are hot.
Critical fire weather conditions are expected to continue through Monday evening, and additional fire weather alerts could follow if dry winds persist into early next week.
