FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2006, 5:30 p.m. MT

(Chadron, NE) Three wild fires continue to burn in the Dawes County area, near Chadron. The largest of the three is the Spotted Tail fire, which has burned more than 15,000 acres in an area south and east of Chadron, caused officials to order new evacuations this afternoon.

The decision was made to evacuate Chadron State Park and residents in the subdivisions of Whispering Pines, Berryville and Parkview Terrace, located east of U.S. 385 and Chadron State Park. Latest estimates indicate at least 40 homes and 50 buildings, many of them cabins at Chadron State Park, could be at risk.

The other two Dawes County fires are burning southwest of Chadron and include the Roberts fire that has burned an estimated 5,700 acres and the Deadhorse fire that has burned approximately 300 acres.

In addition to the three Dawes County fires, two fires burning outside the town of Harrison in Sioux County are growing rapidly and threatening ranch and farm land in the area. Officials estimate that the Rudloff fire south of Harrison has burned at least 2,200 acres. The Thayer fire is northeast of Harrison and is estimated to be between 16,000 to 20,000 acres.

Both fires have been moving too fast for firefighters to fight safely. As a result, Gov. Heineman has requested additional federal assets to help in fighting the two Harrison-area fires in Sioux County.

Gov. Dave Heineman visited the scene of the fires in and around the community of Chadron in northwestern Nebraska.

Gov. Heineman said, “What we’ve seen on the ground so far today is truly an amazing sight. The fire here got within 15 yards of a line of trees here at Chadron State College and firefighters were able to hold the line and prevent damage to the campus. While its clear there is significant damage, the fact that there has been no loss of life or serious injuries is a testament to the preparedness of first responders, city and county officials and the people of Chadron.”

NEMA Assistant Director Al Berndt said, “Extremely hot and dry conditions are presenting challenges as firefighters and state and federal air support continue to battle the blaze. Winds have picked up, causing some of the fires to move very fast in some areas. This is an evolving situation, but it’s clear tonight is going to be a very challenging one as we work to contain the blaze.”

The Banner County fire was the only fire to be considered contained as of this afternoon after burning at least 1,100 acres.

Most recent estimates indicate that at least 43,000 acres have burned during the past 36 hours. At least 700 professional and volunteer firefighters from throughout Nebraska, in addition to Colorado, South Dakota and federal response teams are involved in the response.