June 24, 2026:
The South Fork Fire remains at 39,696 acres and containment is now at 100%. Fire suppression repair continues – there are areas of heat or smoldering stump holes well into the interior of the fire that does not present a threat to continued fire growth. Firefighters are patrolling for any remaining heat, utilizing hose from fire engines to thoroughly soak priority areas, and felling hazard trees that could pose risks to the public—particularly along frequently used trails within Fort Robinson State Park. Road grading and dozer line repairs are also underway.
The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been in the field assessing priority areas related to life and safety, including watershed health. Given the scale of the incident, US Forest Service hydrologists conducted aerial assessments to better understand strategies for reducing risks such as flash flooding in the event of significant precipitation. Archeologists were also on the flight to get a good look at areas of cultural significance.
The team is assessing roads, culverts, trails, and other infrastructure to determine what resources are immediately needed for safest public access. Aerial assessments help minimize disturbance to the fragile post‑fire landscape, which currently lacks the resiliency of areas with intact vegetation.
The speed and scope of this aerial evaluation allow the BAER team to identify burn severity, watershed conditions, and areas of immediate concern, enabling them to make informed decisions on erosion mitigation and visitor safety. In light of these conditions, there is an increased risk of flash flooding today, with afternoon thunderstorms forecast. Visitors are advised to use caution when traveling in the area.
Future assessments are still planned for the area, including further cultural resource evaluations. Cultural considerations are an essential component of every BAER assessment, but given the significant historical and cultural importance of this landscape, they will be especially critical here. Local tribes will also participate in these assessments to ensure their perspectives, knowledge, and priorities are fully incorporated.
Incident management for the South Fork Fire will transition back to the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands at 10 p.m. this evening, June 24th. The Forest extends its thanks to the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 for its dedicated support during the period of elevated operational complexity. Their collaboration and continued assistance during the transition to a Type 4 organization have been greatly appreciated.
For future updates regarding South Fork Fire, please follow the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Facebook Page, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system.
Aerial Image of Fort Robinson State Park, with the Burn area visible.
US Forest Service Photo.
Fire fighters work at removing hazard trees that could be a danger to visitors of Fort Robinson State Park.
US Forest Service Photo.
The type 3 flight crew helps forest staff to load into the helicopter after a safety briefing for their aerial assessment.
US Forest Service photo.
June 23, 2026:
The South Fork Fire acreage stays the same at 39,696 acres, and increased containment of 92%. With staffing at 72 personnel, yesterday’s efforts focused on continued suppression repair, with county crews working to repair roads that were heavily traveled by emergency vehicles in and around the burn area.
Fire crews continued patrolling uncontained fireline around the northern perimeter where the terrain makes defining the line as contained challenging due to steep and rugged conditions that contain heavy fuels that are still trapping heat. On the southern perimeter of the contained fireline, there was smoldering stump holes found and addressed by hand crews.
The largest challenge was the weather, with lightning across the panhandle and igniting several small wildfires in the area. South Fork Fire resources assisted in initial attack on a lightning wildfire start to the west of the South Fork Fire, which was successfully suppressed. Incident managers are dedicated to continuing to offer this assistance to area fire departments as the South Fork Fire continues to wind down.
Today’s weather is projected to be more favorable for operations and is forecasted to have lower winds and little thunderstorm activity. Overnight, there was significant rain to the east of the fire area, and though there was rainfall on the burn area overnight, it was largely overcast and minimal moisture was received.
For continuing updates, please see Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Facebook Page, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system.
Fort Robinson State Park’s iconic butte range, stands below sparse clouds.
US Forest Service Photo.
June 22, 2026:
The South Fork Fire has been turned over to a Type 3 incident management team, made up largely of local resources and personnel from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2, which previously managed the incident. As the incident right-sizes staffing, the incident command post has also returned to Crawford, NE – which is suitable for a command of this size. After more accurate mapping, the fire is now estimated at 39,696 acres, with 80 personnel currently assigned.
Crews continue to monitor areas of heavy fuels most at risk of retaining heat on the northwest edge of the burn area, but the focus has largely shifted to suppression repair. Suppression repair will take place in areas where firefighting operations caused damage, such as cut fencing and dozer lines.
The Burned Area Emergency Response team will begin field evaluations of the post‑fire area today, assessing soil health, watersheds, roads, trails and cultural resources to determine what needs to be addressed most urgently to ensure safety for the public and to support wildlife habitat. As a reminder, the Nebraska National Forest has issued an emergency closure order for the Soldier creek campground as these assessments will help to inform local forest staff of repairs needed to safely reopen the area, which they hope to do as quickly as possible.
For continuing updates, please see Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Facebook Page, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system.
South Fork Fire.
June 21, 2026.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.
June 21, 2026, update:
Courtesy image.
June 18, 2026, morning update:
June 17, 2026:
Courtesy image.
June 15, 2026, update:
Courtesy image.
June 14, 2026:
Courtesy image.
June 12, 2026, 9am MT update:
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For Nebraska air quality information: https://dwee.nebraska.gov/
smoke-and-air-quality. -
Air Quality Guide: Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution
Courtesy image.
June 11, 2026, 9am MT update:
- For Nebraska air quality information: https://dwee.nebraska.gov/
smoke-and-air-quality. - Air Quality Guide: Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution
Courtesy image.
June 10, 2026:
The South Fork Fire remains mapped at 8,989 acres, however the fire did expand Wednesday (June 10, 2026).
Thursday 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.
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