A wildfire that started in Oklahoma has spread northward into southeastern Colorado, prompting mandatory evacuations for the town of Campo on Sunday.
The evacuation notice was lifted by Sunday evening, according to Baca County officials.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency in response to the Sharpe Fire, which is estimated to have burned more than 28,000 acres.
As of 8:20 p.m. Sunday, crews reported 5 percent containment on the fire, according to the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department. The department confirmed that the town of Campo, with a population of about 60 people, remained standing following the evacuation. Rural areas surrounding Campo remained under mandatory evacuation, and an evacuation center was established in Springfield to accommodate residents. Baca County has roughly 3,300 residents.
Fire Spread and Conditions
The Sharpe Fire ignited Friday night in Cimarron County in the Oklahoma Panhandle and expanded rapidly. Officials reported that the blaze grew from approximately 3,500 acres to more than 10,000 acres within six hours.
Strong wind gusts of over 35 miles per hour contributed to the fire’s fast progression. A 77-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 287, from the Oklahoma state line near Campo to U.S. 50 in Lamar, was closed by the Colorado Department of Transportation, although local access remained open for evacuations.
Emergency Response and Air Support
Governor Polis’ emergency declaration activated the State Emergency Operations Plan, directing the Department of Public Safety to oversee response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control deployed a newly secured large air tanker to support firefighting efforts.
This aircraft, under a 120-day exclusive-use contract, began operations on Friday and joined several other large tankers working the fire on Sunday.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt confirmed that Oklahoma Forestry Services also activated air support to aid ground crews battling the Sharpe Fire.
Recent dry thunderstorms in the Oklahoma Panhandle and far northwestern Oklahoma have ignited multiple wildfires, with over 60,000 acres burned statewide.
Extreme drought conditions persist throughout the Panhandle, creating hazardous fire environments.
Additional Wildfires in the Region
Another nearby fire, the Ballard Fire, located east of the Sharpe Fire, has also crossed into Colorado.
While the Ballard Fire has burned more than 18,000 acres, it is approximately 65 percent contained and does not threaten populated areas, according to Oklahoma Forestry Services.
The National Weather Service in Pueblo forecasts dangerous fire weather conditions to continue along the Colorado-New Mexico border.
Humidity values between 5 and 10 percent combined with southwest winds gusting near 50 miles per hour are expected to increase fire risk, particularly over Baca County.
A cold front is anticipated to arrive Monday night into Tuesday, potentially altering fire behavior and weather conditions.
Table: Sharpe Fire Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Name | Sharpe Fire |
| Location | Started in Cimarron County, Oklahoma; spread to Baca County, Colorado |
| Acres Burned | Estimated 28,000+ |
| Containment | 5% |
| Evacuations | Campo town (lifted Sunday evening), rural areas around Campo |
| Population Affected | Campo: 60; Baca County: ~3,300 |
| Highway Closures | U.S. 287 from Oklahoma stateline to U.S. 50 in Lamar (77 miles) |
| Air Support | Colorado: new large air tanker, multiple tankers; Oklahoma: Forestry Services activated air support |
| Weather Conditions | Southwest winds gusting 35-50 mph, humidity 5-10%, extreme drought |
| Related Fires | Ballard Fire: 18,000+ acres burned, 65% contained, not threatening towns |
The Sharpe Fire continues to pose a significant threat to southeastern Colorado and the Oklahoma Panhandle, with rapid fire growth fueled by drought and high winds.
Mandatory evacuations, deployment of air support, and highway closures have helped protect residents, while emergency operations remain active.
Firefighting efforts are ongoing, and residents are advised to monitor local advisories as dangerous conditions persist.
