Fire near Oconto, NE

The Pressey Fire in Nebraska is currently burning due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures, which are perfect conditions for wildfires to spread. Here's what we know so far¹:

- Fire Location and Size: The fire is located north of Oconto, Nebraska, near Pressey Park, and had grown to approximately 1,000 acres in size by 4:20 PM on Wednesday.

- Spread and Containment: The fire was pushed forward by winds, causing it to jump a river and spread rapidly, prompting evacuations and road closures in the area. Multiple fire departments, including Broken Bow, Arnold, Anselmo, Merna, Ansley, Eddyville, and Mason City, have been called in to assist with containment.

- Weather Conditions: A Red Flag Warning was in effect for the area due to critical fire weather conditions, with winds gusting up to 30-40 MPH, humidity under 30%, and temperatures rising into the 80s.

- Response Efforts: Firefighters are working to control the blaze, with aircraft assistance grounded due to sunset. Several locations have been set up to control traffic, and evacuation centers have been opened for those affected.

 Please note that the exact cause of the fire may not be publicly known yet, and the situation is still developing.

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 April 23rd, 2026 | Custer County Emergency Management Press Release

CUSTER COUNTY, Neb. — At approximately 2:07 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, a 9‑1‑1 call reported a grass fire at Pressey Park, located within the Oconto Volunteer Fire Department fire district. The Oconto Volunteer Fire Department was first on scene and, due to fire conditions, quickly requested mutual aid from all fire departments across Custer County.

As the incident expanded, assistance was provided by multiple fire departments from across Nebraska, along with the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Custer County Emergency Management, Custer County Communications, Custer County Highway Department, Arrow Aviation, Custer Public Power District, Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska Brand Committee, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office (WIRAT and Investigations), and the Nebraska IMAT Team.

Dry conditions and strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly to the north and northwest. Rough terrain made access and suppression efforts challenging, and the fire ultimately split into two separate head fires, with the secondary head fire moving farther north. At its peak, the fire traveled approximately 12 miles north and reached an estimated width of 3 miles, burning roughly 6,000 acres.

At this time, the fire is being actively monitored. Suppression operations are scheduled to resume at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23. Multiple teams of firefighters will continue working throughout the day in coordination with National Guard air assets and hand crews.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Oconto Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend sincere thanks to all fire departments, agencies, businesses, and individuals who have assisted and continue to assist with firefighting operations, as well as those who have supported firefighters and landowners during this incident.