Bronco Fire Update
RELEASE DATE: Sep 19, 2024
September 23, 2024
Firefighters made good progress toward containment of the Bronco Fire near Crawford, Nebraska over the weekend. The Bronco Fire is currently 97% contained and 1,069 acres.
Because of the hard work done by firefighters the last several days, the Nebraska Type 3 Incident Management Team turned the fire back over to the local fire jurisdiction. The team did an excellent job coming together to support local resources in stopping and containing the fire. At its peak, over 130 firefighters and multiple aircraft, including two Nebraska National Guard UH60 helicopters, were used to contain the Bronco Fire. Work is ongoing, but local managers can now effectively support firefighters and the remaining work on the ground.
“Thank you to the team and all of the support and expertise that they brought,” said Tim Buskirk, District Ranger for the Pine Ridge Ranger District. “Without them, we couldn’t have provided the logistics and operational planning work that is critical in ensuring that we have the resources to safely engage a fast-moving fire like this one. Also, thanks to all the volunteers and local businesses that stepped up to support the whole organization.”
Governor Jim Pillen verbally authorized a disaster declaration which will be followed by a written Governor’s disaster proclamation. The public is asked not to travel on any roads nearby for their own safety and the safety of firefighters. No unnecessary travel on Milo Road, Sand Creek Road and Cottonwood Road.
You can visit Crawford Volunteer Fire Department and/or the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Facebook pages for further information.
September 20, 2024
09:30 a.m.
The Bronco Fire is currenlty at 915 acres and is not contained. Additional ground crews arrived last night and will continue to work towards containment of the fire by constructing fire lines today. Governor Jim Pillen verbally authorized a disaster declaration which will be followed by a written Governor's disaster proclamation.
The fire is managed under a unified command between Crawford Volunteer Fire Department, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, and the US Forest Service. Fire management transitioned to a Type 3 organization last night to best support firefighters and other resources.
Hot and dry weather will continue today. Wind conditions are favorable, and the outlook is for cooler weather over the weekend. No unnecessary travel on Milo Road, Sand Creek Road and Cottonwood Road.
September 19, 2024
5:00 p.m.
Firefighters continue to battle the Bronco Fire, located 11 miles northwest of Crawford, Nebraska in Sioux County. Federal, State and Local resources include 110 personnel and multiple air resources. Rough terrain and erratic winds contine to challenge firefighters.
According to officials on scene, the fire is currently at 915 acres and is not contained. Fire will transition from a Type 4 to a Type 3 organization to better support firefighers and resources on the ground.
Elevated weather concerns are expected to continue into Friday. Dry conditions are expected to continue over the next 24 to 32 hours. The public is being asked to avoid travel on roads nearby.
September 19, 2024
08:30 a.m.
The Bronco Fire was reported on Wednesday, September 18 at 12:06 p.m. It is located 11 miles northwest of Crawford, Nebraska in Sioux County. Federal, State and Local resources responded and remain on scene. Air resources are being used on the fire and it has burned nearly 415 acres.
The fire started on private property and has spread onto the Oglala National Grassland. The public is being asked to avoid traveling on roads nearby, including Milo Road, Sand Creek Road and Cottonwood Road. Officials have determined lightning as the cause of the fire.