UPDATE: SEPT. 20 11:30 AM: Officials reported containment is at 50 percent. The Crawford Volunteer Fire Department said 162 personnel are still on the scene. The pre-evacuation notice, south of Highway 20 and north of 4-Mile Road, has been removed.
UPDATE: SEPT. 19: After 72 hours, fire managers reported 15 percent containment as of 7:00 a.m. Officials said at this time, the pre-evacuation order for the City of Crawford is no longer in effect.
Nebraska Emergency Management released this video on their Facebook page.
UPDATE: Sept. 18 The wildfire in Crawford has extended in size without much success containing it.
According to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the fire is up to 5,544 acres compared to Friday's size of 4,992 acres. There is still 0% containment.
75 volunteers and personnel assisted in Saturday's efforts. NEMA officials said they would like to thank everyone who continues to support them in their response to the Post Fire.
"In a time of unease and uncertainty, the Crawford community and those surrounding have shown an overwhelming amount of love and support to our volunteers," said NEMA officials. "Thank you to those who donated food, water, money, equipment, and personal goods. Thank you to those who volunteered their time to cook for us, pack our lunches, and keep the fire station running. Thank you to the friends and families who support our volunteers from home, allowing them to be here and assist with the fight. Most of all, thank you to the firefighters, from all over the state who never fail to show up in times of need. We are so fortunate and blessed to work in such a caring and compassionate community."
Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact the following businesses with credit card information:
1. Saddlerock One Stop (Gas Station)
2. D&S Market (Grocery)
3. Pine Ridge Service Center Inc (Equipment Maintenance)
They say cash or checks can be mailed to Crawford Volunteer Fire Department at 3450 Hwy 20, Crawford, Nebraska, 69339
UPDATE: Sept. 17
Fire crews are still fighting a large fire southwest of Crawford that broke out on Monday.
According to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), local, state, and federal resources are working together to combat dry weather conditions, high wind challenges, as well as an anticipated red flag warning reported for Saturday. They say a total of 102 personnel are helping combat this fire.
Beginning Saturday morning, additional air assets will be in the area to assist with suppression efforts.
“Air support has dropped retardant to stop the spread of the fires. Several flights, or sorties, have been flown by single-engine air tankers (SEATs) from bases operated by the Nebraska Forest Service out of Scottsbluff and Chadron,” said Ben Bohall with the Nebraska Forest Service.
Local law enforcement is doing pre-evacuation warnings from 4 Mile Road, north to Paddock Street in Crawford, according to NEMA. Emergency plans are in place to assist with evacuations if necessary.
They say ground crews were successful in their burnout operations, which are tactics used to stop the spread. Even with these efforts, almost 0% of the fire has been contained as the fire spans 4,992 acres.
NEMA said resources from across the state are scheduled to provide assistance throughout the next two operational periods.
Officials warn travelers to use extra caution on Highway 20, between Crawford and Fort Robinson because visibility is limited and increased fire engine traffic.