A wildfire relief fund has been established to assist those impacted by the South Fork Fire in Northwest Nebraska. The fire, which began June 9, 2026, has burned more than 25,000 acres and forced evacuations and destroyed grazing lands in and around Crawford, Fort Robinson State Park and Soldier Creek Wilderness Area.
Steve Cleveland, President of the Chadron Community Foundation, has
announced the creation of the ‘South Fork Fire Relief Fund’ in response. The fund is designed to deliver swift financial assistance to victims, ranchers, and fire departments affected by the South Fork Fire.
“Wildfires are overwhelming and can change lives in an instant,” said Cleveland. “Our goal with this relief fund is to ensure immediate support reaches those facing hardship due to the South Fork Fire.”
The Chadron Community Foundation has a longstanding commitment to wildfire relief, having previously established the Morrill Fire Relief Fund in April 2026, the Dawes-Sioux-Sheridan Fire Fund in 2012, and the Dawes-Sioux Fire Fund in 2006. Supporters can contribute to the fund by mailing donations to South Fork Fire Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1351, Chadron, NE 69337, or by donating online at www.ChadronFoundation.org.
For questions or more information, please contact Steve Cleveland at sclevel@live.com.
