A wildfire on the Eastern Plains near Limon has been contained. Elbert and Lincoln counties ordered evacuations Tuesday afternoon, but they were lifted as of 5 p.m.

Oklahoma wildfire season has started officially, and could ramp up to be as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than the wildfires of 2025.

The day after strong winds swept wildfires from the Oklahoma panhandle into southwest Kansas, some evacuations remain in place as multiple fires continue to burn across Kansas’ western half.

The largest fire has burned 145,000 acres in Oklahoma and Kansas. It is considered 0% contained.

A fast-moving wildfire caused evacuations for people living near Matheson on Colorado’s Eastern Plains on Tuesday afternoon, according to Elbert County officials.

Up to 30% of bird diversity hotspots in the western U.S. are projected to face high-severity wildfires in the future.

The energy company says the shutoff was an effort to reduce wildfire risk, and said customers will have power back on Wednesday. While the Panhandle is at the center of fire dangers right now, the Texas A&M Forest Service predicts the risk will continue to spread eastward and southward as the state continues warm and dry conditions.

A critical wildfire emergency is unfolding across the Southern Plains this week, as a dangerous combination of hurricane-force wind gusts, bone-dry air, and drought-stricken vegetation has ignited massive blazes across Texas and Oklahoma.