CAMPO, Colorado — Residents in Baca County woke up Sunday to one of the most alarming orders a community can receive: get out now.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect as a massive, fast-moving wildfire rips through the area, scorching more than 13,000 acres with no sign of slowing down.
The Baca County Emergency Management office issued the evacuation order for the Town of Campo and areas along Road 24 from Highway 287 to the state line.
Officials are not mincing words about the danger.
“Active threat to life and property, do not wait,” the office said in a public statement. “Evacuate to the north as fires are moving south to northwest.”
How the Fire Started — and How Fast It Moved
The blaze, known as the Sharpe Fire, ignited Friday in Cimarron County, Oklahoma.
Within days, it had crossed state lines and was pushing deep into southern Colorado — burning thousands of acres and forcing entire communities to flee.
The speed of the fire’s spread has caught many off guard, and weather conditions are making it worse.
Weather Is Fanning the Flames
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect until 9 p.m. MST across the region.
Gusty winds and extremely low humidity are creating near-perfect conditions for a wildfire to grow and travel quickly.
For firefighters on the ground, these conditions make an already dangerous job even harder.
Oklahoma Sending Help Across the Border
With the fire crossing state lines, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Sunday that the state is sending resources to help battle the blaze.
Oklahoma Forestry Services is providing air support to assist crews on the ground, and the Oklahoma Emergency Management office is deploying additional resources to assist local partners.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed,” Stitt said.
What Evacuees Need to Know Right Now
If you or someone you know is in the affected area, here is what authorities are urging:
- Leave immediately — do not wait to gather belongings
- Evacuate to the north — fire is moving south to northwest
- Follow updates from Baca County Emergency Management on social media
- Do not return home until officials give the all-clear
Wildfires moving at this speed can change direction without warning. Every minute of delay increases risk.
Communities Watching and Waiting
For the families now watching from evacuation shelters, the next few hours are critical.
The fire’s path depends heavily on wind shifts and how quickly crews can get it under control. With air support now coming in from Oklahoma and ground crews working the fire lines, there is hope — but the danger is far from over.
Authorities are urging residents across the region to stay alert, monitor local alerts, and be ready to move at a moment’s notice.
Are you in the Baca County area or do you know someone affected by the Sharpe Fire? Share what you are seeing in the comments — keeping each other informed can save lives.
