May 17, 2026:
The Ash Pole Fire is now 90% contained, and fire managers’ report that this morning’s moisture, combined with cooler temperatures, is aiding progress toward full containment.
A further reduction of resources is expected by the end of today; however, some heavily fueled areas are still holding heat. The northwest portion of the fire line, which has not yet been declared contained, consists of particularly heavy fuels and rugged terrain, requiring extra caution as crews work toward full containment.
Updated mapping shows the Ash Pole Fire at 1,028 acres. There has been no loss of structures. A significant amount of dead and downed fuel remaining from the 2012 West Ash Fire has been consumed, which is expected to improve the area’s long‑term fire resilience.
The newly burned area will be evaluated by a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team. The team will assess any post fire damage concerns related to the forest’s natural ability to rehabilitate the understory and support healthy habitat and rangeland, safety concerns for forest users and critical cultural resources.
Daily updates will continue to be available via Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Facebook page and the Ash Pole Fire InciWeb page as notable changes arise.
Fire managers again express their gratitude to the cooperators, volunteers, and surrounding communities for their ongoing support throughout this incident.
Ash Pole Fire area as of May 17, 2026.
Courtesy image.
May 16, 2026:
Crews worked through the night monitoring fire lines to ensure heavy burning fuels stayed within the established perimeter. Saturday (May 16, 2026) morning, fire managers report 59% containment. Although a significant amount of interior heat remains, it is largely within heavy fuels and in terrain that is unsafe for firefighters to directly access. Overnight suppression efforts focused on diligent monitoring and mop-up.
With the progress made, managers are confident that fewer overnight resources will be needed tonight. Thanks to firefighters’ tireless efforts, this morning brought much less visible smoke, though some smoldering continues in heavy fuel areas.
Saturday’s challenges include weather conditions, with a forecast high of 82 degrees, humidity around 15% and breezy winds — all factors that will require firefighters to closely watch heavy fuel pockets again today. There is also a marginal risk of supercell thunderstorms developing in the Nebraska Panhandle this afternoon, which could produce additional lightning.
Fire managers thank the public for staying away from the area, which has allowed firefighters safer and clearer access to work zones. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority. Please continue to refer to https://fire.airnow.gov/ for smoke conditions in your area.
An updated, full rendered image of Ash Pole Fire’s status map can be found here.
For ongoing updates, please visit Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands website, Facebook page, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system.
Ash Pole Fire area as of May 16, 2026.
Courtesy image.
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