Wildfire — Garfield, Nebraska

2023-04-11 to 2023-04-13 · Garfield, Nebraska

Event narrative

Fire started approximately 15 miles north of Burwell during the morning of April 11th. Named the Lowry Fire and aided by strong southerly winds, low relative humidity, and hot temperatures, the fire traveled north approximately 6 miles to the north northeast consuming approximately 6000 acres. Along with two injuries, a total of four structures were destroyed including a storage building at the Rowse Hydraulic Rake Factory. The fire was contained on April 13th.

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 1094822. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.