June 12, 2026, 9am MT update:
Current Condition: Crews made progress securing fire line on the west side of the fire Thursday (June 11, 2026), contributing to an increase in overall containment, which is now 7%. Total acres after yesterday’s growth is 28,067.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Weather conditions on the South Fork Fire are expected to become warmer and drier tomorrow, with shifting wind directions throughout the day. Southwest winds may produce ridge-top gusts up to 45 mph around dawn before shifting northwest ahead of a weak front and northeast later in the evening. While winds are expected to be lighter than previous days, gusts of 20 to 25 mph remain possible. Temperatures are forecast to reach the 80s, with relative humidity dropping to around 10 percent. These conditions may support Increased fire activity along the northern portion of the fire perimeter where receptive fuels and persistent dry conditions remain. As winds shift throughout the day, activity may also increase along the eastern side of the fire. Active burning within unburned areas of the fire remains possible.
Evacuations and Closures: NEW CLOSURE – White River Trail is closed from Crawford City Park to Fort Robinson. Nebraska Emergency Managers with Region 23 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, including areas south of Dodd Road, west of Dodd Road, and Dodd Road itself, at Holmgren Road. The Ponderosa Villa assisted living facility has been evacuated. Fort Robinson State Park has been evacuated until further notice. A total of 22 structures and 95 people are currently under active evacuation orders. The Red Cross established community shelter options at Chadron State College and is currently set up to support sheltering efforts.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of evacuation. For guidance on how to prepare, visit Ready.gov.
Air Quality: Smoke from wildfires can affect people differently, and some individuals are more vulnerable to health impacts than others. The primary health concern from wildfire smoke is fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, which affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
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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:
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 (RMCIMT2),
A Facebook page has been created for the fire – @South Fork Fire Nebraska. Check for official updates on the Facebook page and the South Fork Fire Inciweb page: InciWeb page
The South Fork Fire has grown significantly and is now 23,112 acres; there are 145 personnel assigned, including National Guard, aviation, and ground crew resources. The fire is currently 5 percent contained.
Crews worked through the night to protect at-risk values near Crawford and Fort Robinson.
Thursday, firefighters will focus on assessing appropriate strategies and tactics based on the forecasted wind and advisories and Red Flag Warnings in the coming days. Very dry vegetation, rough terrain, and critical fire weather will continue to challenge firefighters and their ability to suppress the South Fork Fire. Firefighters and public safety continue to be the primary focus of fire managers as strategies and tactics are discussed.
Wednesday, Nebraska Emergency Managers with Region 23 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 Holmgren Road. The Ponderosa Villa assisted living facility has been evacuated. Fort Robinson State Park has been evacuated until further notice. 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 preparing 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.
Weather and Fire Behavior: A cold front pushed into the area last night, bringing cooler temperatures, slightly higher relative humidity, and a northwest wind. Strong winds will develop this morning but will not coincide with the peak burn period. The wind will decrease again, shifting from the northwest to the southwest this evening. Vegetation remains very dry. Riparian areas that typically would not burn this time of year are readily available to burn.
Air Quality: Smoke from wildfires can affect people differently, and some individuals are more vulnerable to health impacts than others. The primary health concern from wildfire smoke is fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, which affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
- 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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