South Fork Fire grows to 9 350 ha (23 110 acres) in Nebraska, evacuations near Crawford
The South Fork Fire has grown to 9 352 ha (23 112 acres) since igniting about 19 km (12 miles) west of Crawford, Nebraska, on June 9, 2026. The fire has prompted evacuation orders for areas north of Crawford’s city center, Fort Robinson State Park, and the Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living Facility. Highway 20 and Fort Robinson State Park were closed, and Governor Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency as firefighters worked to contain the wildfire.
South fork fire burning in Nebraska on June 10, 2026. Credit: Banner County Volunteer Fire and Rescue
The South Fork Fire expanded to 9 352 ha (23 112 acres) in western Nebraska by June 11, forcing evacuations near Crawford and Fort Robinson State Park as firefighters continued working under critical fire-weather conditions. It was 7% contained and had 245 personnel assigned, including National Guard, aviation, and ground resources.
The wildfire started around 16:40 MDT on June 9, about 19 km (12 miles) west of Crawford in the Soldier Creek Wilderness area of the Pine Ridge Ranger District within the Nebraska National Forest.
It has since spread across parts of Dawes and Sioux counties, burning over 9 000 ha (23 000 ha). Drought conditions, very dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds helped drive rapid fire growth during the first two days of the incident.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen declared a State of Emergency earlier on June 10 as the South Fork Fire grew rapidly. Two other fires affecting Dawes County also prompted States of Emergency.
“As of today, Nebraska National Guard resources deployed to fight the fire include a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with five soldiers and an aviation officer, and an aviation fueling truck with an additional two soldiers. By tomorrow, an aviation maintenance truck with two soldiers will join a liaison officer and five airmen and three soldiers who are part of the fire hand crew,” Governor Pillen said.
Mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for areas immediately north of Crawford’s city center, including areas south of Dodd Road, west of Dodd Road, and Dodd Road at Holmgren Road. Fort Robinson State Park and the Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living Facility were also under evacuation orders.
Preliminary evacuation orders remained in place for the entire city of Crawford and for residences south of Highway 20 to 4 Mile Road in Sioux County. Incident managers reported that 22 structures and 95 people were under active evacuation orders.
Residents leaving the area were advised to travel to Chadron, Alliance, or Scottsbluff. The American Red Cross established an evacuation shelter at Andrews Hall on the Chadron State College campus. The shelter was providing meals, water, snacks, and access to support services.
Approximately 245 personnel were assigned to the fire, supported by National Guard resources, aircraft, and ground crews.
“In western Nebraska, windy conditions are making containment difficult, but the Nebraska National Guard helicopter and ground units I ordered to support local firefighters are helping,” Governor Pillen said
Transportation impacts included the closure of Highway 20 and access restrictions near the fire area. Fort Robinson State Park remained closed until further notice.
“The South Fork Fire has crossed Nebraska Highway 20 and is moving southeast. The highway is currently closed. Due to the rapid growth of the fire, managers have ordered an incident management team,” said the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands agency.
Red Flag Warnings remained in effect, and fire managers warned that gusty and shifting winds would continue to create difficult firefighting conditions. Forecasts called for humidity levels between 10% and 15% and continued critical fire-weather conditions through Friday and the current forecast period.
Smoke from the South Fork Fire continued to affect air quality across the region. Fire officials said the primary health concern is fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which can affect both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions face a higher risk of health effects from prolonged smoke exposure.
As of June 11, no fatalities or injuries had been officially confirmed. No widespread structural losses had been confirmed in available reporting. The cause of the wildfire remained under investigation.
References:
1 South Fork Fire – Inciweb – June 12, 2026
2 Gov. Pillen Issues Emergency Declarations for Destructive Weather Events – Nebraska.gov – June 10, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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