(Courtesy US Forest Service)
The South Fork Fire remains mapped at 8,989 acres, however the fire did expand today. Tomorrow an update to acreage will be available after additional mapping. Crews worked throughout the day in windy conditions and rough terrain. Firefighter and public safety, along with resource protection, remain the top priorities.
Nebraska Emergency Managers with Region 23 have issued evacuation notices for Fort Robinson State Park and a portion of the city of Crawford. The evacuation area includes locations immediately north of Crawford’s city center, including areas south of Dodd Road, west of Dodd Road, and Dodd Road itself, at Homgren Road. Fort Robinson State Park has been evacuated until further notice.
The Ponderosa Villa Nursing Home has been notified of evacuation orders and is enacting its evacuation plan. A total of 22 structures and 95 people are currently under active evacuation orders. Emergency managers are working with the Red Cross to establish community shelter options, Chadron State College is currently readying to potentially support the effort.
A preliminary evacuation notice has also been issued for the entire city of Crawford. Residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of evacuation. For guidance on how to prepare, visit Ready.gov, and continue to monitor the South Fork Fire InciWeb page and local media outlets.
A variety of engines, hand crews, dozers, and air support contributed to the full suppression efforts today. This evening’s plan includes structure preparation and protection, as multiple residential and commercial properties are threatened. Sustained winds of 40 mph or higher posed significant challenges for firefighters today. Conditions are forecast to remain gusty tonight, though temperatures are expected to drop. The public is encouraged to steer clear of the area to assure safe and clear fire fighter and resource access.
Public Map for South Fork Fire 06.10.2026.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen today issued an emergency declaration, allowing activation of additional resources and access to the governor’s emergency fund to assist with costs associated with the South Fork Fire. In addition to the proclamation, National Guard resources have also been deployed, including a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and crew, support resources for the helicopter crew, and National Guard hand crews assisting with direct suppression efforts.
