Chadrad Communications, Inc.

06/13/2026

Photo Courtesy John Sidle

South Fork Fire Nebraska page:

Highway 20 continues to experience intermittent closures due to ongoing firefighting operations. Motorists should expect delays and use caution when traveling through the area as crews continue suppression efforts.

On the northern portion of the fire near Cottonwood Road, three Hotshot crews are conducting firing operations to reduce the potential for the fire to make a wind-driven push to the west through steep, rugged terrain with deep drainages. As discussed during last night's community meeting, firing operations are a planned firefighting tactic often described as "fighting fire with fire." By removing fuels ahead of the main fire, firefighters can reduce fire intensity and limit fire spread when it reaches established containment lines.

The Cottonwood Road area continues to present challenges due to heavy timber, abundant fuels, and difficult terrain.

Photo Courtesy John Sidle South Fork Fire Nebraska page: Highway 20 continues to experience intermittent closures due to ongoing firefighting ope

06/13/2026

8:30am Update (6/13):
With increased fire activity on the west side of the South Fork fire, the area south of Highland Road west from Cottonwood Road to Highway 20 heading back east back to Cottonwood road is being placed into "GO" status to protect residents from burnout operations being conducted near the intersection of Highway 20 and Cottonwood Road.
"GO" status means residents are encouraged to evacuate now.

Additionally, the area north of White River Road and east of Andrews Road to Highway 20 is being placed in a “Ready” status. Ready means residents should be aware of fire activity in the area. Per Region 23 Emergency Management

From the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Highway 20 will be intermittently CLOSED due to fire activity and fire operations.

06/13/2026

NOTICE: Due to fire activity on the South Fork fire, new preliminary evacuations are being implemented.
https://chadronradio.com/south-fork-fire-update-new-preliminary-evacuation-orders-725-am-6-13/

06/13/2026

NOTICE: Due to fire activity on the South Fork fire, new preliminary evacuations are being implemented. The areas north and west of the fire from Toadstool Road west to Orella Road to Hat Creek Road to Pants Butte Road down to Highway 20 are now in "Set" status. Set means residents should be aware of fire activity in their area and have a plan to evacuate if conditions change. All previous evacuation areas remain in place.

06/13/2026

Morning Operations Update
Today, temperatures are expected to be nearly 20 degrees cooler with higher relative humidity, firefighters still expect to see active fire behavior along the northern side of the fire.

Overnight, along the southern edge Divisions Alpha and Juliet saw minimal fire activity. In Division Delta, along the western side, firefighters faced a more active night as the fire pushed aggressively near Cottonwood Road. Crews worked throughout the night to engage the fire and limit its spread in the area. Due to this activity, the fire experienced additional growth overnight.

The South Fork Fire is now at 32,818 acres and 42% contained. More than 400 personnel remain assigned to the incident.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
Nebraska Forest Service
Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands



Photo of night operations, courtesy of South Fork Fire.

06/13/2026

(Courtesy/Huskers Athletics)

Nebraska Athletics:

Nebraska’s Carson Jasa was named a third-team All-American by ABCA/Rawlings on Friday morning.

Jasa becomes the sixth All-American under head coach Will Bolt, joining Spencer Schwellenbach (2021), Max Anderson (2023), Brice Matthews (2023), Brett Sears (2024) and Dylan Carey (2026).

Jasa emerged at the Huskers’ ace during the 2026 campaign, becoming the third Nebraska starting pitcher to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors since 2021. The right-hander finished the year with a 10-2 record, becoming the 13th NU pitcher in program history to reach the 10-win mark in a season, including the first since Johnny Dorn in 2007.

The Thornton, Colo., native posted a 3.59 ERA with two complete games and 117 strikeouts across 87.2 innings while holding opponents to a .210 batting average. The 117 punchouts are the fifth most by a Husker pitcher in a season in program history.

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the South Fork Fire area.

For the safety of firefighters and the public, please do not fly drones anywhere near the incident. When unauthorized drones are detected in the fire area, all wildfire aviation resources—including helicopters, air tankers, and other aircraft—must be grounded until the airspace is clear.

These aircraft play a critical role in supporting firefighters on the ground by conducting water drops, reconnaissance, and other suppression operations. Even a small drone can create a serious hazard for pilots operating at low altitudes.

If you fly, we can't.

Please help keep our firefighters, aviation crews, and communities safe by leaving drones at home and staying clear of the restricted airspace.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
Nebraska Forest Service
Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands

06/12/2026

Photo Courtesy John Sidle

Highway 20 between Harrison and Crawford has been completely reopened.

Photo Courtesy John Sidle Highway 20 between Harrison and Crawford has been completely reopened.

06/12/2026

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen announced the approval of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help cover costs associated with fighting the South Fork Fire near Fort Robinson State Park. The fire has exceeded 28,000 acres and is estimated to be only 7% contained. Approximately 245 personnel have been working diligently to contain the flames and protect the nearby community of Crawford. Evacuation notices remain in effect for Fort Robinson State Park and part of Crawford.

South Fork Fire Map as of 9 a.m. Friday (06/12)

“We can’t thank our federal, state and local partners enough, especially those involved actively in firefighting efforts,” said Gov. Pillen. “We appreciate also the quick response by FEMA to approve this declaration, which the state can use to cover a variety of qualified costs under the program.”

The FMAG, approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), must be sought while the fire is actively burning.