Live · NIFC · analysis June 29, 2026

South Fork Fire — latest news & live update

Sioux County, NE

Size
39,696 ac
Contained
100%
Personnel
61
Cause
Natural

Today's briefing — June 29, 2026

The South Fork Fire in Sioux County, Nebraska, has reached full containment after burning 39,696 acres since its discovery on June 9. The fire, classified as natural in origin, spread across short grass fuels averaging one foot in height—conditions that sustained rapid early growth across the open terrain. A Type 3 Incident Commander has overseen the suppression effort with a personnel assignment of 61 firefighters and support staff.

With containment now at 100 percent, active suppression is complete and crews have secured the full perimeter. The fire consumed resources totaling an estimated $12,470,000 through June 29. The short grass fuel type, once dried, allowed the fire to move quickly across the landscape, but the combined effort halted further expansion and prevented any breach of the established containment line.

The South Fork Fire is now under control. Follow all local authority and official orders for any remaining advisories or area access restrictions.

South Fork Fire — frequently asked

Is the South Fork Fire contained?

As of June 29, 2026, the South Fork Fire is 100% contained in Sioux County, NE. Containment is the percentage of the fire's perimeter crews have secured — the fire can still grow inside the lines. Follow your local fire authority for evacuation status.

How big is the South Fork Fire?

As of June 29, 2026, the South Fork Fire has burned 39,696 acres in Sioux County, NE. Fire size is the estimated total area within the perimeter and changes as crews assess the fire and it grows or is contained.

What caused the South Fork Fire?

According to NIFC reporting, the South Fork Fire was caused by natural. Cause determinations are made by fire investigators and can be updated as investigations proceed.

How many firefighters are working on the South Fork Fire?

As of June 29, 2026, the NIFC reports 61 total personnel assigned to the South Fork Fire, including firefighters, support staff, and incident management team members.

🔔 Free fire alerts

A wildfire won’t knock. We will.

By the time you can smell the smoke, your neighbors may already be packing. Get the head start — FireRisk watches your exact address against the same official government feeds the pros use and emails you the moment something changes. 100% free.

  • An alert when a new wildfire is reported near your home — straight from NIFC, often before the local news.
  • 🌬️A heads-up when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for your area — the conditions that turn a spark into a disaster.
  • 📍We monitor your exact address, 24/7. You do nothing — just keep living your life.
Set up my free fire alerts →

Set up in 30 seconds · no app to install · unsubscribe anytime · awareness-only, not an emergency service.

Headline figures are pulled live from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) WFIGS feed and National Weather Service feed; the written briefing is generated automatically and is for awareness only — reported values lag real-time ground conditions. This is not an emergency service or official incident communication. In a wildfire emergency, call 911 and follow your local authorities and evacuation orders. Briefing last generated Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:50 GMT.