Sharpe

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Sharpe Fire ignited late Friday night, May 15, 2026, in Cimarron County in the Oklahoma Panhandle, before rapidly spreading north across the state line into Baca County, Colorado.
Size and Containment: Initially reported at approximately 16,007 acres, the fire has seen explosive growth. Recent estimates indicate the fire has grown to over 28,000 acres. Containment is currently at 5%.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The Sharpe Fire is a fast-moving grass and brush fire that has exhibited extreme fire behavior. On Sunday, the fire exploded from roughly 3,500 acres to more than 10,000 acres in just six hours before continuing its rapid expansion. The intense rate of spread is being driven by strong wind gusts exceeding 35 mph and very low relative humidity.
Containment Efforts: Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared a disaster emergency, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan and directing the Department of Public Safety to manage response and recovery efforts. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has dispatched a newly secured large air tanker to the scene. Additionally, Oklahoma Forestry Services has activated air support to assist ground crews working the southern flank of the fire.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for all of Baca County—affecting approximately 3,500 residents. This includes the entire Town of Campo. Specific evacuation zones include the Town of Campo and Road 24 to Highway 287 (and Road 36), south of Road J to the state line.
Evacuation Warnings: Emergency management officials have warned that the fire is an active threat to life and property and have urged residents not to wait. Evacuees are instructed to head north, as the fire is located south of Campo and is moving in a north/northwest direction.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: An evacuation shelter has been established at Springfield Schools, located at 475 W 5th Ave., Springfield, CO.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• A 77-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 287 is closed from the Oklahoma state line (approximately 8 miles south of the Campo area) to U.S. 50 in Lamar.
• County Road TT is closed 10 miles north of the Springfield area.
• Officials warn that heavy smoke is severely cutting visibility along local routes, and residents should avoid all non-essential travel to keep roads clear for evacuees and first responders.

For more information, visit:

• Baca County Emergency Management
• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC)
• Colorado Department of Transportation (COtrip) for Road Closures

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are currently no reported injuries or fatalities, but Baca County Emergency Management has stressed that the fire remains an "active threat to life and property." Residents are urged to call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies.
Structures Impacted: The fire poses a direct threat to the town of Campo and surrounding rural properties. Detailed damage assessments regarding destroyed or damaged structures are pending, as crews are currently prioritizing life safety and active structure protection.
School and Business Closures: Springfield Schools are currently closed to students and are being utilized as the primary evacuation center for displaced residents.
Notable Impacts: The evacuation of the entirety of Baca County has caused severe disruption to the local community, displacing thousands of residents and halting local commerce and agriculture.

Safety Concerns:
Air Quality: Heavy smoke from the fire is significantly reducing visibility and air quality across southeastern Colorado. Residents in neighboring areas are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers if they have respiratory conditions.
Burn Bans: Due to the extreme fire danger, strict fire restrictions and burn bans are in effect across the region. All outdoor burning is prohibited.
Power Outages: While widespread power outages have not been officially detailed, residents should be prepared for potential proactive de-energization or fire-related infrastructure damage.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment at just 5%, the fire remains a significant and active threat. Firefighters anticipate a challenging battle over the coming days. The introduction of large air tankers from both Colorado and Oklahoma is expected to help slow the fire's progression, allowing ground crews to establish better control lines.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the area due to strong winds and critically low humidity. Furthermore, Las Animas and Baca Counties are under a Fire Weather Watch until Monday evening. Wind gusts are expected to continue complicating aerial and ground firefighting efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire was ignited by dry thunderstorms (lightning strikes) that moved through the Oklahoma Panhandle on Friday night.
Weather and Climate: The Sharpe Fire is being heavily fueled by extreme fire weather and climate conditions. A combination of prolonged regional drought, recent dry thunderstorms, very low relative humidity, and sustained high winds (gusting over 35 mph) has created a highly volatile environment. These extreme conditions have exacerbated the fire's rapid spread across the state line and continue to pose severe challenges for containment.

For more information, visit:

• Baca County Emergency Management
• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC)
• Colorado Department of Transportation (COtrip) for Road Closures