Campfire suspected in Red Willow blaze

Courtesy photos/ Ceanna Cole and Sam Yonkers Firefighters from the Red Willow Western Fire Department perform mop-up operations on Saturday evening, ensuring that no hot spots can rekindle. RWWFD Fire Chief Jeff Cole cautioned residents to refrain from any type of burning, especially in open areas, on high fire danger/red flag warning days or in windy conditions.

McCOOK, Neb. — The cause of a fire at Red Willow State Recreation Area in Red Willow County on March 22 remains under investigation, although it’s suspected to have started from an unattended campfire at a campsite.

Approximately 85 acres were burned, fueled by gusty winds and dry vegetation. The Red Willow Western Fire Department was dispatched around 12:51 p.m., with 85% of the fire contained by 6:22 p.m. There were no injuries.

The fire was contained to the southwest side of the dam and no structures were affected, according to Shawna Richter-Ryerson of the Nebraska Game and Parks. However, this area of the park, which includes South Lookout and Red Willow campgrounds, will remain closed to camping and hiking until further notice.

Nebraska Game and Parks law enforcement is seeking Wildlife Crimestoppers tips about the fire; report anonymously at OutdoorNebraska.gov by searching for “crimestoppers.”

Eight area fire departments and several neighboring landowners with tractors joined Nebraska Game and Parks wildlife and parks staff to contain the Saturday fire. The fire departments included Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department, McCook Fire Department, Culbertson Rural Fire Department, Beaver City Volunteer Fire Department, Maywood Volunteer Fire Department, Curtis Volunteer Fire Department, Hayes Center Rural Fire Department, and Indianola Fire and Rescue.

Red Willow Fire Department and Game and Parks staff will continue to monitor for hot spots.