Update on Bernie and the South Fork Fire: Routing Around a Wildfire in Northwest Nebraska
The South Fork Fire crossed Highway 20 right on Bernie Krausse's Great American Rail-Trail route near Crawford, Nebraska. He took a zero day, weighed two detours, and went north — and he should reach Harrison tonight.
A follow-up on where things stand with Bernie Krausse and the South Fork Fire in northwest Nebraska.
When the fire broke out, Bernie was taking a zero day. We spent it going over the maps together, drawing up various scenarios, and finally landed on two possible routes around the fire — a detour to the north (50 miles) and one to the south (91 miles). One of the problems of mapping a detour in this part of the Nebraska is that roads are few and far between.
After looking at the forecast winds and how the fire had been moving, the shorter northern route was the clear choice.
He set out on it Thursday and should have made it about halfway around the fire last night, which would set him up to arrive in Harrison tonight – back on the trail and on toward the Wyoming border.
One more note: Bernie talked with News Channel Nebraska by video call from the trail about his Great American Rail-Trail thru-hike and the detour. That segment aired Thursday night, and you can watch it here:
Dave Griek
For the people who live out there, this is still an active and serious situation. The South Fork Fire has grown past 28,000 acres; it's only about 7% contained, and there are mandatory evacuations around Fort Robinson State Park and parts of Crawford. Highway 20 remains closed between Crawford and Harrison. We're glad Bernie's clear of it, and we're keeping the firefighters and the families who've had to leave their homes in mind.
— John.