What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of April 24, 2026, the Pressey Fire is active in Pressey Park near Oconto in Custer County, Nebraska. The fire is located north of Oconto along Highway 21 in central Nebraska and has impacted areas surrounding Pressey Park.
Emergency crews remain focused on protecting nearby communities, property, and critical infrastructure as firefighting operations continue (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?
The cities and areas affected by the Pressey Fire include:
- Custer County
- Oconto
- Pressey Park
- Surrounding areas along Highway 21
What is the current containment status of the Pressey Fire?
As of April 24, 2026, the Pressey Fire remains at 0% containment and has burned 8,953 acres.
More than 130 personnel are actively working around the clock to contain the fire, with additional resources continuing to arrive. Support efforts include two Nebraska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting bucket drops, along with a National Guard hand crew assisting firefighters on the ground (2).
Officials also reported that one home and several outbuildings have been destroyed, while the cause of the wildfire remains under investigation (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
No evacuation orders have been issued, but officials are strongly urging residents and visitors to avoid the Pressey Park area near Oconto to allow emergency responders to safely continue firefighting operations.
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
See how a wildfire smoke air purifier can help clean your air.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of April 24, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.
