Sharpe

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Sharpe Fire originally ignited late Friday night, May 15, 2026, in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. Driven by strong winds, it rapidly spread north and crossed the state line into Baca County, Colorado, on May 17, 2026, at approximately 9:17 p.m.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the Colorado portion of the fire has burned 16,240 acres and has successfully reached 100% containment. In total, across both states, the fire burned over 29,200 acres.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fast-moving fire was fueled by dry grass, shrubs, juniper, and cactus. It exhibited extreme fire behavior and explosive growth, driven by strong southwest wind gusts exceeding 35 to 50 mph and critically low relative humidity (5-10%). It rapidly expanded across open rangeland and prairie country.
Containment Efforts: The Pueblo Interagency Zone Type 3 Team assumed command of the Colorado portion of the fire. With the Colorado side now 100% contained, most crews have demobilized and returned home. A few remaining fire engines and personnel continue to patrol the firelines and monitor for interior hot spots using infrared flights provided by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control's Multi-Mission Aircraft.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: All mandatory evacuation orders, including those for the town of Campo and surrounding rural areas in Baca County, have been lifted.
Evacuation Warnings: There are currently no evacuation warnings in place.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: The evacuation center previously established at Springfield Schools is no longer active, as residents have been permitted to return to their homes.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no current road closures in effect. The 77-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 287 that was previously closed during the height of the fire has been reopened.
• Residents are advised to remain cautious of any remaining emergency vehicles patrolling the area.

For more information, visit:

• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC)
• Baca County Official Website
• U.S. Forest Service - Pike-San Isabel National Forests

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported fatalities or injuries associated with the Sharpe Fire. Additionally, no cattle were reported lost due to the swift intervention of local ranchers.
Structures Impacted: The fire did not claim any occupied structures or homes. However, miles of fencing, railroad ties, and downed trees were destroyed in the blaze.
School and Business Closures: Springfield Schools were temporarily closed to serve as an evacuation center but have since resumed normal operations.
Notable Impacts: The entire town of Campo (population of about 60) was successfully defended and saved by a massive community and interagency response. Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency to mobilize state resources and support the local response.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no ongoing major power outages reported in the area.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported at this time.
Burn Bans: Due to ongoing severe drought conditions, local fire restrictions and burn bans remain in effect across southeastern Colorado.
Air Quality: While smoke has largely dissipated with full containment, officials previously advised residents—especially those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly—to take extra precautions regarding dust and smoke in the area.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The Colorado portion of the fire is 100% contained. Firefighters are confident that the established firelines will hold. Crews will continue mop-up operations and monitor for pockets of smoldering vegetation to ensure that hot spots do not breach the containment lines.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The weather forecast for Baca County over the next few days brings favorable conditions, including partly sunny skies with chances of light rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from the mid-50s to the 80s, accompanied by higher humidity levels, which will assist crews in naturally cooling any remaining interior heat.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire was ignited by dry thunderstorms and lightning strikes in the Oklahoma Panhandle before being pushed into Colorado.
Weather and Climate: The Sharpe Fire was heavily fueled by extreme fire weather and climate conditions. A severe flash drought covering southeastern Colorado primed the plains for wildfire. This prolonged regional drought, combined with dry lightning, very low relative humidity, and sustained high winds, created a highly volatile environment that drove the fire's rapid and destructive spread.

For more information, visit:

• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC)
• Baca County Official Website
• U.S. Forest Service - Pike-San Isabel National Forests