Wildfire prompts evacuations in Garden, Keith Counties as flames push toward Lake McConaughy

Photo: Glow from a wildfire in northern Keith County could be seen from North Shore at Lake McConaughy on Thursday night. (Courtesy Photo)

LIVE UPDATES: Evacuations for Lewellen is MANDATORY, Evacuate to South Platte High School in Big Springs - 11:02 PM

LIVE UPDATES: The fire is Running hard straight south towards Otter Creek (Keith County), additional units are being sent to the area - 10:46 PM

LIVE UPDATES: Berea Lutheran Church acting as shelter - 10:40 PM

GARDEN COUNTY, Neb. — A fast-moving wildfire that began Thursday afternoon in Morrill County has prompted evacuations in Garden County as shifting winds push the blaze south toward Lake McConaughy.

Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation late Thursday night for areas north of Lake McConaughy between Highway 61 and the Keith County–Garden County line as the fire rapidly moved south.

Emergency officials said the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center has been opened as a shelter for evacuees.

The wildfire was first reported earlier Thursday near County Road 11 and County Road 112 in Morrill County, northeast of Bridgeport and north of Broadwater. The fire quickly spread east through Garden County during the afternoon and evening before winds shifted and began pushing the blaze south.

Emergency alerts earlier in the evening warned residents in western and north-central Garden County to prepare for possible evacuation as the fire moved east from the Angora area.

By late evening, officials reported the fire had crossed most of Garden County and was approaching areas near Lake McConaughy.

Residents in Lewellen, Lemoyne and surrounding areas were urged to prepare for evacuation as conditions continued to change. The City of Oshkosh and Lisco advised residents to prepare to evacuate.

The fire spread rapidly throughout the day amid a powerful windstorm impacting western Nebraska. Wind gusts exceeding 70 mph were reported across the region, including 69 mph near Lewellen and 67 mph at Kingsley Dam at Lake McConaughy.

The strong winds and extremely dry conditions created dangerous fire behavior as the blaze moved across the Sandhills.

Utility officials also reported impacts to electrical infrastructure. Wheat Belt Public Power District shut off power near the Covalt Substation north of Broadwater earlier in the day to protect crews and firefighters working near the fire.

As of Thursday evening, dozens of customers across Garden, Morrill, Cheyenne and Arthur counties were without power.

Residents near Crescent Lake earlier reported evacuating livestock and personal belongings as the fire advanced.

Emergency responders from multiple departments across the region continue working to contain the wildfire as it moves south toward Lake McConaughy. Officials have not yet released an estimate of the fire’s size or confirmed whether any structures have been damaged.

Authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to monitor emergency alerts and follow evacuation instructions.