Wildfire — Western Cherry, Nebraska

2023-04-11 to 2023-04-16 · Western Cherry, Nebraska

Event narrative

Fire started in the McCann Canyon area approximately 10 miles south of Kilgore. Known as the McCann fire and aided by strong southerly winds, the fire raced 8 miles to the north approaching the town of Kilgore late Tuesday April 11th. The town of Kilgore was evacuated as a precaution and fire crews were able to keep the fire from reaching it. Approximately 7000 acres of mainly grassland were consumed in the fire. No injuries or deaths were reported.

Wider weather episode

Persistent drought conditions, strong southerly winds and unseasonably hot temperatures in the 90s initiated three major fires across western and north central Nebraska in mid April. Major fires were reported in Cherry County, Custer and Blaine Counties and Garfield County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1094819. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.