High winds continued to push the South Fork Fire causing rapid growth and evacuation orders in the area.
Nebraska Emergency Managers and Region 23 issued evacuation notices for Fort Robinson State Park and a portion of the city of Crawford. Current evacuations include:
- 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
- Ponderosa Villa Nursing Home
- Fort Robinson State Park
Evacuees are asked to go to Chadron, Alliance, or Scottsbluff.
While the rest of the city of Crawford has not been forced to evacuate, they have been given a “preliminary evacuation notice,” meaning to prepare for the possibility of evacuation. You should have your pets and families ready to leave at a moment’s notice. More details are available at the ready.gov website.
The Ponderosa Villa Nursing Home confirmed that all of their residents had been safely evacuated Wednesday evening. In all, 22 structures and 95 people are under active evacuation orders.
Officials are working with the American Red Cross to establish community shelter options.
Chadron State College said that Andrews Hall is available for residents of Crawford and Sioux counties. Bedding and meals will not be provided, and evacuees should bring their own sleeping supplies, food, medications, and personal necessities. Pets are allowed, but they asked those with pets to be respectful of common areas.
In their evening release Wednesday, the U.S. Forest Service said that the fire remained mapped at 8,989 acres but said the fire did expand. In a map update to the National Interagency Fire Center early Thursday morning, the fire was mapped at just over 23,000 acres.
Highway 20 remains closed from Crawford to Harrison, and Fort Robinson State Park will be closed until further notice.
There is no containment reported on the fire.
A variety of engines, hand crews, dozers, and air support contributed to the full suppression efforts Wednesday. The evening plan included structure preparation and protection, as multiple residential and commercial properties were threatened.
Sustained winds of 40 mph or higher posed significant challenges for firefighters. Red Flag Warnings continue for the area through Friday.
The public is encouraged to steer clear of the area to assure safe and clear fire fighter and resource access.
Pillen has signed an emergency declaration for the fire, making state resources available to incident commanders as needed, as well as the use of the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help cover costs associated with managing the impacts.
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.
