This morning, law enforcement and fire officials from Phelps and Gosper Counties held a live press conference to provide an investigational update regarding numerous wildfires that engulfed parts of rural Phelps and Gosper Counties during the late evening hours of Saturday March 28th or early morning hours of Sunday March 29th, 2026. These wildfires consumed a total of over 700 acres, consisting primarily of pastureland in both counties and occurred along and north of 735 Road. As previously indicated, the State Fire Marshal has determined that these fires were the product of arson. Though no structures, livestock or lives were fortunately lost as a result of these fires, considerable damage to personal property and infrastructure was sustained on a number of effected properties and caused substantial financial loss to a number of area property owners.
At this morning’s press conference officials indicated, that despite their considerable efforts, there remains insufficient information and evidence to arrest and prosecute anyone responsible for these fires at this time. As a result, officials announced that with the generosity of several Phelps and Gosper County residents, a reward fund, that currently is in excess of $10,000, has been established in conjunction with the Phelps County Crime Stoppers program. Donations to this fund continue to be received and it is likely that the total reward fund will eventually exceed the current reward amount. A bank account, specifically devoted to this reward fund, has been established at First State Bank in Holdrege. Anyone wishing to contribute to this fund can send a check or money order made out to the Phelps County Crime Stoppers and note on the check or order that it is earmarked as a donation to the “March 2026 Wildfire Reward Fund.”
Officials at this morning’s press conference implored anyone with any information regarding these wildfires to contact local law enforcement and/or the Phelps County Crime Stoppers tipline in order to share whatever information they may have. In order to be eligible for payment from the established Crime Stoppers reward fund, information must be reported through the Crime Stoppers tipline. The Phelps County Crime Stoppers tipline number is: 308-995-2424. Callers to the Crime Stoppers tipline may remain anonymous and will receive a unique code. Should their information contribute to the arrest and successful prosecution of any person or persons for these wildfires they will be awarded some or all of the money contained in the established reward fund.
Officials at this morning’s press conference emphasized that their investigation into these wildfires remains a top priority for the law enforcement agencies involved due to concerns that the arsonist(s) could very likely repeat their offense(s) and do so with even more devastating and tragic results if not immediately brought to justice. Due to the financial losses sustained as a result of these fires, both the Phelps and Gosper County Attorneys indicated that this case is being pursued as felony level 3rd Degree Arson which carries a possible penalty of up to 2 years imprisonment and/or imposition of a $10,000 fine for each fire set. The County Attorneys also wanted it to be known, that any person who is withholding information from law enforcement about these fires, or who may have assisted the arsonist(s) in any manner before, during or even after these fires were set could also face substantial legal repercussions.
Finally, officials asked area residents to review any available video recordings still in their possession that may have captured suspicious persons, vehicles or activities in the time leading up to and following the receipt of the first calls for fire assistance. The first 911 calls, reporting these fires, were received at approximately 12:30 A.M. on the morning of Sunday March 29th, 2026. As a result, area residents are asked to review, report and submit any relevant video evidence depicting any suspicious activity, vehicles or persons appearing between 10:00 P.M. on Saturday March 28th through 2:00 A.M. on Sunday March 29th. In the event that anyone discovers such video evidence or has any information that they wish to convey to investigators, outside the use of the Crime Stoppers tipline, should call either the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office at 308-995-5692, the Gosper County Sheriff’s Office at 308-785-2420, or the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s tipline at 1-888-WYARSON.
Additional details will be provided as circumstances warrant and details emerge from this continuing investigation.
