Evacuations issued in Western Nebraska as wildfire expands

A brush fire is burning in the Nebraska Panhandle, shutting down Highway 20 between Harrison and Crawford as crews battle wind and rough terrain.

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The U.S. Forest Service says a wildfire burning in the Nebraska Panhandle expanded Wednesday. Photos on Facebook from the Banner County Vol. Fire & Rescue showed the “South Fork Fire” burning near Fort Robinson. Forest officials say the fire remains mapped at 8,989 acres, but additional mapping is needed to update the total amount of acreage burned so far. Nebraska Emergency Managers issued evacuation notices for Fort Robinson State Park and a portion of Crawford, including the Ponderosa Villa Nursing Home. Officials said 22 structures and 95 people are under active evacuation orders. The Red Cross is establishing community shelter options. In a post on social media, Chadron State College said Andrews Hall is available for residents of Crawford and Sioux counties; however, bedding and meals would not be provided. Highway 20 is closed between Harrison and Crawford. In a post on Facebook, Gov. Jim Pillen said he had been briefed by @NEMAtweets and that rugged terrain and windy conditions were making the fight harder. He said National Guard helicopter units and U.S. Forest Service resources are helping local firefighters.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

CRAWFORD, Neb. —

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Forest officials say the fire remains mapped at 8,989 acres, but additional mapping is needed to update the total amount of acreage burned so far.

Nebraska Emergency Managers issued evacuation notices for Fort Robinson State Park and a portion of Crawford, including the Ponderosa Villa Nursing Home. Officials said 22 structures and 95 people are under active evacuation orders.

The Red Cross is establishing community shelter options. In a post on social media, Chadron State College said Andrews Hall is available for residents of Crawford and Sioux counties; however, bedding and meals would not be provided.

This content is imported from Facebook.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Highway 20 is closed between Harrison and Crawford.

In a post on Facebook, Gov. Jim Pillen said he had been briefed by @NEMAtweets and that rugged terrain and windy conditions were making the fight harder.

This content is imported from Facebook.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

He said National Guard helicopter units and U.S. Forest Service resources are helping local firefighters.