State of Disaster Emergency declared for Colorado as Sharpe Fire grows to over 11 400 ha (28 000 acres)
A State of Disaster Emergency has been declared for the state of Colorado due to the rapidly growing Sharpe Fire that has scorched 11 400 ha (28 000 acres). Mandatory evacuations were issued for Campo and surrounding rural areas in southeastern Colorado after the Sharpe Fire crossed from Oklahoma under critical fire weather conditions on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Smoke rising from the wildfire burning near Campo Colorado on May 17, 2026. Credit: Springfield Volunteer Fire Department
The blaze, dubbed the Sharpe Fire, was discovered in Cimarron County in the Oklahoma Panhandle on May 16 at around 05:30 local time (LT). It has since burned 11 430 ha (28 244 acres) and stands at 5% containment. Strong southwest winds pushed the Sharpe Fire northward into Baca County, Colorado.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for Campo and nearby rural areas south of County Road J, including sections along Road 24 extending toward the Oklahoma border. Baca County emergency officials warned residents of an active threat to life and property and urged immediate evacuation.
Evacuation orders were lifted for Campo itself by Sunday evening, though some nearby rural evacuation zones remained active while wildfire suppression operations continued.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency Sunday and activated the State Emergency Operations Center as the wildfire intensified across southeastern Colorado. The Sharpe Fire has caused estimated damages worth over USD 313 000 since it ignited, according to Wildfire EGP.
“The fire line is currently holding around Campo. Several crews remain on scene to monitor overnight. Conditions are not favorable tomorrow, so please stay aware,” said Baca County Emergency Management. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the county through 20:00 local time (LT) on Monday, May 18.
The Sharpe Fire expanded under dangerous fire-weather conditions, with dry southwest wind gusts reaching over 56 km/h (35 mph). Critical fire-weather conditions will continue into Monday across parts of southeastern Colorado.
A roughly 124-km (77-mile) section of U.S. Highway 287 between Lamar, Colorado, and the Oklahoma state line was closed due to the reduced visibility from smoke and the wildfire’s proximity. The route was opened later in the night at approximately 21:20 LT after the danger subsided.
More than 100 response units were deployed during the wildfire response, including ground crews, emergency medical services, police personnel, and aerial suppression units.
References:
1 Governor Polis Verbally Declares Disaster Emergency in Response to Sharpe Fire In Baca County – Colorado Governor’s Office – May 17, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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