High based thunderstorms moved southeast July 20th to produce dry lightning that ignited a wildfire. The drought conditions were extreme that allowed brittle grass and timbers to create rapid fire growth in northwest Brown County. The wildfire jumped the Niobrara River into southwest Keya Paha County, spreading north. In Norton 10 buildings were destroyed and associated outbuilding. A total of four non life-threatening injuries were reported. Gusty winds continued the fire spread and growth west into Cherry County, while two more fires ignited in southeast Keya Paha County. The wildfire cost is expected to reach well over $8,000,000.00.  On the 30th the Region 24 Complex fire was reported 100 percent contained.

Wildfire in BROWN, NEBRASKA
From 20-JUL-12 09:49:00 to 30-JUL-12 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Lightning ignited a wildfire in northwest Brown County north of Johnstown, along the Fairfield Creek, a tributary of the Niobrara River. The fire's initial 7 mile wide reach was fanned by strong winds to spread the fire north and jumped the Niobrara River into southwest Keya Paha County. The wildfire was named the Fairfield Creek and later renamed the Region 24 Complex as two more fires developed in eastern Keya Paha County. The fires burned a total of 75,872 acres that destroyed rangeland and timbers within Brown County, 14 homes and 17 associated outbuilding in Keya Papa County, and additional range and crop lands in eastern Cherry County and southeast Keya Paha County. Four injuries were reported, but not life threatening. As the wildfire spread north toward Highway 12, officials closed the highway and announced volunteer evacuations for Meadville and Norden that were rescinded on the 25th. The 26th the Niobrara River was closed downstream of Smith Falls State Park. The wildfire was reported 100 percent contained on the 30th, with a cost near $8,000,000.00.

Wildfire in KEYA PAHA, NEBRASKA
From 20-JUL-12 09:49:00 to 30-JUL-12 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Lightning ignited a wildfire in northwest Brown County north of Johnstown, along the Fairfield Creek, a tributary of the Niobrara River. The fire's initial 7 mile wide reach was fanned by strong winds to spread the fire north and jumped the Niobrara River into southwest Keya Paha County. The wildfire was named the Fairfield Creek and later renamed the Region 24 Complex as two more fires developed in eastern Keya Paha County. Four injuries were reported, but not life threatening.The fires burned a total of 75,872 acres that destroyed rangeland and timbers within Brown County, 14 homes and 17 associated outbuilding in Keya Papa County, and additional range and crop lands in eastern Cherry County and southeast Keya Paha County. As the wildfire spread north toward Highway 12, officials closed the highway and announced volunteer evacuations for Meadville and Norden that were rescinded on the 25th. The 26th the Niobrara River was closed downstream of Smith Falls State Park. The wildfire was reported 100 percent contained on the 30th, with a cost near $8,000,000.00.

Wildfire in EASTERN CHERRY, NEBRASKA
From 20-JUL-12 09:49:00 to 30-JUL-12 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Lightning ignited a wildfire in northwest Brown County north of Johnstown, along the Fairfield Creek, a tributary of the Niobrara River. The fire's initial 7 mile wide reach was fanned by strong winds to spread the fire north and jumped the Niobrara River into southwest Keya Paha County. The wildfire was named the Fairfield Creek and later renamed the Region 24 Complex as two more fires developed in eastern Keya Paha County. The fires burned a total of 75,872 acres that destroyed rangeland and timbers within Brown County, 14 homes and 17 associated outbuilding in Keya Papa County, and additional range and crop lands in eastern Cherry County and southeast Keya Paha County. Four injuries were reported, but not life threatening. As the wildfire spread north toward Highway 12, officials closed the highway and announced volunteer evacuations for Meadville and Norden that were rescinded on the 25th. The 26th the Niobrara River was closed downstream of Smith Falls State Park. The wildfire was reported 100 percent contained on the 30th, with a cost near $8,000,000.00.