What is the name and location of the wildfires?
As of May 17, 2026, several major wildfires continue burning across southwest Kansas following lightning strikes and dry weather conditions.
The largest incident is the Meade Lake Fire, located southeast of Q Road at 11 Road near Plains in Meade, Kansas. The fire has impacted areas near Meade State Park and stretches toward the Oklahoma border along Highway 23.
The County Road 16 Fire is burning near the 900 block of Clark County Road 16 near Minneola in Clark, Kansas.
The Wolf Canyon Fire is located in south-central Seward County near the Kansas and Oklahoma border and has crossed into Oklahoma as crews from both states coordinate response efforts (1).
According to meteorologists and Kansas officials, southwest Kansas has experienced extremely dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds, creating elevated wildfire danger conditions across the region (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
The cities and areas affected by the Meade Lake Fire, County Road 16 Fire, and Wolf Canyon Fire include:
- Clark County
- Liberal
- Meade
- Meade State Park
- Minneola
- Morton County
- Plains
- Seward County
- Southwest Kansas
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
As of May 17, 2026, the Meade Lake Fire has burned approximately 46,633 acres and remains 0% contained.
Kansas Forest Service officials stated that the fire remains one of the largest active fires in the region and continues to require extensive state firefighting resources. Crews are preparing for additional dangerous weather conditions expected through the weekend.
The County Road 16 Fire has burned approximately 12,763 acres and remains 0% contained. Firefighters from across Kansas have arrived to assist with suppression efforts while aircraft continue targeting hot spots and supporting ground crews (3).
The Wolf Canyon Fire has burned approximately 6,744.5 acres and is currently 30% contained. Officials reported that only a few hot spots remain active while crews from Kansas and Oklahoma continue patrol and monitoring operations near the state border.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Emergency alerts and evacuation notices have been issued throughout southwest Kansas due to the wildfire activity. Residents in Meade were previously advised to prepare for evacuation as flames threatened the south side of the city. Authorities later lifted some evacuation orders after firefighters reduced the immediate threat to homes.
Meade State Park was fully evacuated and remains closed until further notice because of ongoing wildfire conditions. Highway closures also remain in place, including portions of U.S. 160 and Kansas Highway 23 near the Oklahoma border, where active fire behavior continues to threaten travel routes.
Governor Laura Kelly issued a state disaster declaration covering Clark, Ford, Harper, Meade, and Morton counties, allowing additional state resources to assist wildfire response operations (4).
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of May 17, 2026, the Meade Lake Fire is 0% contained, the County Road 16 Fire is 0% contained, and the Wolf Canyon Fire is 30% contained.
