Portions of Red Willow State Recreation Area temporarily closed after fire

RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. (KNOP) - Nebraska Game and Parks announced Monday that portions of Red Willow State Recreation Area are temporarily closed after a fire burned approximately 85 acres in the park on Saturday.

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

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. You can report anonymously on their website.

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 from Red Willow, McCook, Culbertson, Beaver City, Maywood, Curtis, Hayes Center and Indianola also assisted.

The Red Willow fire department and Game and Parks staff will continue to monitor for hot spots.