Apr 26, 2026

Pressey Fire Up to 75 Percent Containment; Local Agencies Take Lead

Posted Apr 26, 2026 11:49 PM

By Nebraska Emergency Management Agency

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OCONTO, Neb. — The Pressey Fire near Oconto has burned an estimated 9,141 acres and is now 75 percent contained. Fire crews will continue focusing on patrolling the perimeter and conducting mop-up operations to secure the fire line.

Throughout the operation, two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Nebraska Army National Guard completed 82 water drops, delivering a total of 54,120 gallons.

Supporting state agencies have been released, and the fire response will now be managed by local fire departments. Any further media inquiries or requests should be directed to the contact listed below. Please continue to rely on official sources for updates to help prevent the spread of misinformation.

All agencies and fire departments would like to thank the communities and local businesses in and around Custer County for their incredible support and donations. Right now, crews have everything they need in terms of food and drinks, so no additional donations are necessary. We are especially grateful for the many volunteer fire departments whose dedication and hard work have been critical in the firefighting efforts.