By Hola Nebraska
The South Fork Wildfire has burned more than 23,000 acres near Crawford and Fort Robinson State Park as state, federal and local crews work to protect homes, public spaces and rural areas across the Nebraska Panhandle.
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency reported that the fire had reached 23,112 acres and was 5% contained in its Thursday, June 11 update. There are 145 personnel assigned to the incident, including National Guard resources, aviation crews and ground teams.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for areas near Crawford and Fort Robinson State Park. The city of Crawford is also under a preliminary evacuation notice, meaning residents should be ready to leave if officials expand the orders.
The fire is threatening areas near Crawford and Fort Robinson
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 took command of the South Fork Fire at 6 a.m. Thursday under Incident Commander Jay Mickey.
Crews are focusing on protecting Crawford and Fort Robinson State Park, where firefighters have been working to slow the fire’s movement toward structures, roads and populated areas.
The fire is burning through difficult terrain, dry vegetation and critical fire weather conditions. Officials said wind, rugged land and available fuels continue to make suppression efforts challenging.
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency said crews worked overnight to protect at-risk areas near Crawford and Fort Robinson.
Twenty-two structures and 95 people remain under active orders
Region 23 emergency managers issued evacuation notices for Fort Robinson State Park and part of the city of Crawford.
The evacuation area includes locations immediately north of downtown Crawford, areas south of Dodd Road, areas west of Dodd Road and Dodd Road at Holmgren Road.
Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living Facility has also been evacuated. Fort Robinson State Park remains evacuated until further notice.
In all, 22 structures and 95 people are under active evacuation orders. A preliminary evacuation notice has also been issued for the entire city of Crawford.
Residents under a preliminary evacuation notice should prepare documents, medications, basic supplies, chargers, clothing, children’s items, pet supplies and transportation before a mandatory order is issued.
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Andrews Hall is serving as shelter for displaced residents
Chadron State College is supporting the South Fork Fire emergency response by providing space for incident command operations and temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Andrews Hall, on the Chadron State College campus, has been made available as an American Red Cross shelter for people affected by the evacuations.
The shelter offers two meals a day, water, snacks, a safe place to stay and access to support services. Evacuees should bring their own personal items, medications and sleeping supplies.
Meal service announced for shelter residents includes brunch from 9 to 10 a.m. and dinner from 5 to 6 p.m., with support expected through Sunday, June 14.
Pets are allowed inside the residence halls, but residents are asked to respect common areas. Anyone going to Andrews Hall is encouraged to call 308-747-2614 before entering.
Highway 20 and Fort Robinson are among the closures
Fort Robinson State Park remains closed because of fire activity and the evacuation order.
Highway 20 is also among the closures connected to the emergency. Anyone who needs to travel through the area should check road conditions and alternate routes before leaving.
Hudson Meng Education and Research Center announced it would be closed Friday, June 12, because of fire activity in the area.
Post Playhouse canceled its Thursday performance of “Seussical” because of the emergency. The organization said the cast and crew were safely evacuated and that the box office would contact ticket holders.
Smoke may affect air quality in the region
Smoke from the South Fork Fire may affect air quality in the region, especially for children, older adults, pregnant people and residents with heart or respiratory conditions.
The main health concern from wildfire smoke is fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, which can affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
People in smoky areas should limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed when possible and check air quality information before exercising or traveling.
Officials recommend following official sources for evacuation maps, closures and changes in fire behavior.
Where to check official South Fork Fire updates
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency said official fire updates are available on the South Fork Fire Nebraska Facebook page and on the incident page through InciWeb.
The fire management team also has a public and media information line at 308-775-5438.
Email questions can be sent to [email protected].
Residents under evacuation notice should follow instructions from local authorities, monitor county emergency alerts and be ready to leave toward Chadron, Alliance or Scottsbluff if an evacuation order is issued.
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