South Fork

South Fork Fire Report - June 22, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The South Fork Fire ignited around 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in the Soldier Creek Wilderness of the Pine Ridge Ranger District within the Nebraska National Forest, approximately 13 miles east of Harrison in Sioux County.
Size and Containment: As of June 21, 2026, the fire has burned 39,696 acres and is currently 90% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially reported at around 500 acres, the fire grew rapidly overnight during its first few days, driven by strong winds and heavy timber, including dead and downed trees from previous burns. The fast-moving blaze crossed U.S. Highway 20 and spread southeast into Fort Robinson State Park and the Peterson Wildlife Management Area.
Containment Efforts: Over 278 personnel are currently assigned to the incident. Due to significant progress, the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 transitioned command of the fire to a local Type 3 Incident Management Team on Sunday, June 21, at 6:00 p.m.. Firefighters continue to focus on patrol, mop-up, suppression repair, and monitoring to ensure the fire remains secure.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: As of June 18, 2026, all mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted due to increased containment and improved conditions. Previously, mandatory orders were in place for Smiley Canyon, Fort Robinson State Park, and parts of Crawford.
Evacuation Warnings: All pre-evacuation warnings and "Ready" notices have been lifted. However, residents are advised to remain alert and follow guidance from local emergency managers as rehabilitation efforts continue.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: During the peak of the fire, nearly 100 people were evacuated to locations in Chadron, Alliance, and Scottsbluff. Displaced residents have since been allowed to return.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• U.S. Highway 20: The highway has reopened, but officials ask the public not to stop on the highway or use pull-offs adjacent to the fire, as it remains a critical transportation and access point for fire crews.
• Fort Robinson State Park: The park has reopened its main complex, including the lodge, cabins, activity center, museums, and restaurant. However, due to the charred landscape, several park excursions remain closed, including horse trail rides, stagecoach rides, Jeep rides, and hiking trails.
• White River Trail: The trail has reopened, but the public is strictly requested to stay on designated trails and roads within the burn area.

For more information, visit:

• Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
• Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - Fort Robinson
• Region 23 Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported fatalities or severe injuries associated with the South Fork Fire.
Structures Impacted: The fire threatened over 20 buildings and a nursing home in Crawford during its initial run. Flames also crept very close to Fort Robinson State Park's historic buildings, but the main complex, lodging facilities, and museums were successfully protected and sustained no damage.
School and Business Closures: Fort Robinson State Park experienced temporary closures and evacuations but has since resumed operations with limited excursions.
Notable Impacts: Fort Robinson State Park, a major historic and recreational site in Nebraska, was significantly threatened. While structures were saved, the surrounding landscape is heavily charred, impacting outdoor tourism and recreation.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No widespread power outages are currently reported in connection with the fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety advisories have been issued.
Burn Bans: Officials urge the public to be strictly cognizant of local burn bans, as Nebraska is experiencing severe drought and a highly active wildfire season. Residents are also asked to check vehicles for dragging chains to prevent new sparks.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire and smoldering hotspots continues to impact local air quality. Residents and visitors are advised to be vigilant about smoke exposure, particularly those with respiratory conditions.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently 90% contained. Fire managers expect to achieve full containment soon, though firefighting resources will remain on the scene to strengthen containment lines, address any remaining hotspots, and conduct suppression repair on state lands.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Fire weather conditions have eased significantly over the last 72 hours. A high-pressure system has moved into the area, bringing lighter winds and temperatures in the low 80s. Forecasts indicate continued improvement with some passing rain, increasing humidity, and decreasing air temperatures, which will assist in final containment efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The South Fork Fire was ignited by lightning striking dry grass on the evening of Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid initial explosion was directly tied to extreme fire weather conditions and severe drought gripping the Nebraska Panhandle. High winds gusting over 40 to 50 mph, exceptionally low relative humidity (10-20%), and a landscape filled with heavy, dry timber fuels created a highly volatile environment that exacerbated the fire's intensity and rate of spread during its first week.

For more information, visit:

• InciWeb - Incident Information System
• Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Facebook
• Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)