Home / Disasters and Accidents / Lightning Sparks Massive Wildfire Near State Line
Lightning Sparks Massive Wildfire Near State Line
19 May
Summary
- Sharpe Fire burned over 28,000 acres near Colorado-Oklahoma border.
- Lightning was confirmed as the cause of the wildfire.
- Evacuations were issued for Campo and surrounding rural areas.
A significant wildfire, dubbed the 'Sharpe Fire,' ignited near the Colorado-Oklahoma state line in Baca County, Colorado, on a recent Sunday evening. Lightning was identified as the cause of the blaze, which spread rapidly through dry grass, shrubs, and cactus.
Evacuations were initially issued for the town of Campo and surrounding rural areas due to an active threat to life, with an emergency shelter established. Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan to deploy state resources and support firefighting efforts.
As of Monday evening, the fire had consumed an estimated 28,200 acres, with a substantial portion burning within Colorado. Despite efforts by over 100 personnel using various equipment, the fire remained 0% contained initially, prompting concerns for residents with respiratory issues.
By Tuesday morning, updates indicated approximately 16,240 acres burning in Colorado, with 0% containment reported in the state, while overall containment reached 10% across the affected region. Road closures on US 287 and 160 East were implemented due to high winds and smoke but have since reopened.
