Portions of Red Willow SRA temporarily closed after fire

Portions of Red Willow State Recreation Area in Red Willow County are temporarily closed after a fire burned approximately 85 acres in the park.

The fire, which was reported about 12:40 p.m. March 22, was contained to the southwest side of the dam and no structures were affected. However, this area of the park — which includes South Lookout and Red Willow campgrounds — will remain closed to camping and hiking until further notice. Willow View Campground remains open.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it is suspected to have originated from an unattended campfire at a campsite.

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 continue to monitor for hot spots.

Updated March 26, 2025, to reflect Willow View Campground was not affected.