Area Fire Departments Responding To South Fork Fire In Northwest Nebraska

The fire has grown to almost 9,000 acres

Firefighters from multiple fire departments are responding to the South Fork Fire.  The fire has grown to almost 9,000 acres along Smiley Canyon in the Peterson State Wildlife Management Area and west of Fort Robinson State Park. 

According to Valentine Fire Chief Terry Engels, among the resources that are responding from the KVSH area include Ainsworth, Bassett, Springview, Wood Lake and Valentine. 

State and Federal crews from Nebraska and South Dakota have also been mobilized as well as multiple local departments from northwest Nebraska.

According to KCSR in Chadron, Highway 20 from Highway 71 at Crawford to Main Street in Harrison, remains closed as of 8:45 Central Time Wednesday Morning.

If you would like to help support those firemen who are working on that fire, you are asked to drop-off non-medicated eye drops, saline solution, protein bars, nuts, sports drinks, bottled water, etc. to the Valentine Fire Hall and it will be transported west.

MIDDAY UPDATE FROM NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE:

The U.S. Forest Service, local volunteer fire departments, and additional crews and engines continued working through the night to contain the South Fork Fire, which has grown to 8,989 acres as of this morning.

Dozers and hand crews have been constructing fireline and monitoring completed sections. Multiple engines, hand crews, and air support will continue suppression operations throughout the day. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect, with winds forecast at 29–37 mph this morning, increasing to up to 49 mph this afternoon. Precipitation chances remain low. Currently the fire is considered 0% contained.

There are no evacuation orders in place per local emergency management and law enforcement. However, residents are encouraged to shelter in place, remain prepared and monitor alerts from emergency managers and local media.

The fire is still burning within the area of Soldier Creek Wilderness and has moved into Fort Robinson State Park and the Peterson Wildlife Management Area, both managed by Nebraska Game and Parks. No structural losses or injuries have been reported during ongoing full-suppression efforts. A Complex Incident Management Team will arrive this evening for briefings and transition support.

The fire continues to burn in areas with heavy fuels and rugged terrain. This combined with strong winds, conditions remain hazardous. Highway 20 is closed from Fort Robinson State Park to Harrison. Fort Robinson State Park employees may still use the route for park access. The public is asked to avoid the area for their safety and to ensure unobstructed access for firefighters.