Wildfire — Red Willow, Nebraska

2018-03-06 · Red Willow, Nebraska

Event narrative

The high winds caused a piece of metal roofing to touch an overhead power line, igniting the fire three miles northwest of McCook. The high winds pushed the fire in a southerly direction, burning 212 acres. Evacuations were ordered for the northwest part of McCook totaling 446 people. McCook elementary school students were moved to the high school. Sixteen people were treated for burns and smoke inhalation. The only severe burn victim was a transient living in a canyon. One home on the north edge of McCook was destroyed by the fire.

Wider weather episode

High winds on the backside of an upper level storm system reached the ground in Hitchcock and Red Willow counties. The peak wind gust was 66 MPH at McCook. The high winds also fueled a wildfire which consumed a house on the north side of McCook.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 744544. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.