ELLSWORTH, NE – The Morrill Fire in the Panhandle of western Nebraska began on March 12, 2026, and as of March 24 was considered 100% contained.
Ranchers Dave and Liz Schroth, along with their six kids, own and operate the Strategy Bison Ranch near Ellsworth, Nebraska. When the Morrill Fire started, Dave says it was less than 20 miles from their home forcing he and Liz to decide how they were going to handle the situation with their herd.
While the fire was nearby, Schroth says the behavior of the buffalo changed.
Schroth had a pivot the bison herd could get to so that was turned on to keep the area wet, hoping to force the fire to go around IF it got that close. He says he spoke with another buffalo ranch owner who had an even closer call with the fire.
The current estimate has the Morrill Fire having burned 642,029 acres.
The Nebraska Cattlemen organization has established a Disaster Relief Fund. Those who would like to donate, may:
* Go to www.nebraskacattlemen.org/disaster-relief-fund
* Call the Nebraska Cattlemen office at 402-475-2333
+ Email disasterrelief@necattlemen.org
The Nebraska Cattlemen will distribute 100% of the dollars donated to producers who experienced property loss or damage in areas where a fire was reported through the Nebraska Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Watch Center.
As of March 23, 2026, applications are being accepted and membership in Nebraska Cattlemen organization is NOT required to receive donated funds. The application period is open until further notice. The dollars will be distributed after the application period closes, at a date yet to be determined.
