What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of June 18, 2026, the South Fork Fire is burning near US-20 and Soldier Creek Wilderness, approximately 13 miles east of Harrison, in Dawes and Sioux Counties, Nebraska (1). The fire is impacting areas near Fort Robinson State Park and the Nebraska National Forest’s Pine Ridge Ranger District.
Which cities or areas are affected by the South Fork wildfire?
Cities and areas directly affected by the South Fork wildfire include:
- Chadron
- Crawford
- Fort Robinson State Park
Air quality has been impacted in nearby Yoder. Shifting winds could also affect air quality in Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Casper, Wyoming; and Rapid City, South Dakota.
What is the current containment status of the South Fork wildfire?
As of June 18, 2026, the South Fork Fire is burning across 39,057 acres and is 80% contained. Firefighters are hampered by rugged terrain and an abundance of dry ground cover fueling the flames (2).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Level 3 (GO) evacuation orders remain in effect for Fort Robinson State Park, areas immediately north of Crawford’s city center, including locations south and west of Dodd Road and Dodd Road at Holmgren Road, as well as the Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living Facility (3).
Level 2 (SET) evacuation warnings have been issued for several rural areas west of Toadstool Road and near Hat Creek Road and Pants Butte Road. Level 1 (READY) alerts are in place for the city of Crawford and parts of Sioux County south of Highway 20 to 4 Mile Road.
Evacuees are being directed to Chadron, Alliance, or Scottsbluff.
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
See how a wildfire smoke air purifier can help clean your air.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of June 18, 2026, this fire is 80% contained.
