What is the name and location of the wildfires?
As of May 18, 2026, multiple major wildfires continue burning across southwest Kansas amid extreme fire weather conditions, dry vegetation, and strong winds. The fires have prompted evacuations, threatened structures, and required a large multi-agency response from Kansas and neighboring states (1).
The largest incident was the Meade Lake Complex, a combined wildfire incident spanning Clark and Meade Counties in Kansas. The complex included the formerly separate Meade County Complex 1 and 2 fires along with the Proffitt Lake Fire, which were managed under a single command (2).
The fires burned southeast of Meade near Q Road, 11 Road, and T Road, as well as areas east of Fowler. Earlier in the incident, the fires threatened nearby structures and prompted evacuation readiness notices around Meade, while temporary evacuation orders were issued for Fowler before later being lifted (3).
Another major incident is the Herman Ranch Complex in Clark County, Kansas. This complex includes the Herman Ranch/500 Acre Pond Fire and the Bouziden Ranch Fire, which are now being managed together as part of the broader wildfire response (4).
The fires are burning near County Road I, County Road 12, and the 900 block of Clark County Road 16 near Minneola. Officials reported that active fire behavior caused the Herman Ranch and 500 Acre Pond fires to merge, while firefighters from across Kansas continue suppression operations and monitor changing fire conditions (5).
The Wolf Canyon Fire also remains a significant wildfire in the region. The fire burned near County Road 3 South close to the Meade, Seward, and Beaver County lines near Forgan. During the incident, the fire crossed into Oklahoma before returning to Kansas, prompting coordinated suppression efforts between fire crews from both states (6).
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
The wildfires are affecting several communities and rural areas across southwest Kansas.
- Beaver County
- Clark County
- Fowler
- Meade
- Minneola
- Plains
- Seward County
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
The Wolf Canyon Fire burned approximately 6,745.6 acres and reached 100% containment.
The Meade Lake Complex has burned 92,733 acres and is 100% contained.
The Herman Ranch Complex has burned 33,694 acres and is 80% contained.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Emergency management officials issued multiple evacuation notices and emergency alerts across southwest Kansas as wildfire conditions intensified.
Residents near Meade were advised to prepare for evacuation as the Meade Co Complex 1 Fire advanced toward the community. Authorities later announced that there was no longer an immediate wildfire threat to Meade, though residents were encouraged to remain alert for changing conditions.
Evacuation orders were also issued for Fowler due to the Proffitt Lake Fire and nearby wildfire activity. Officials later lifted the evacuation order after fire behavior reduced around the community.
Clark County Emergency Management ordered evacuations near County Roads E through I and County Roads 10 through 16 because of the Bouziden Ranch Fire. Authorities later canceled the evacuation notice and allowed residents to return home.
Firefighters continue active suppression operations throughout southwest Kansas as weather conditions remain favorable for wildfire spread.
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
See how a wildfire smoke air purifier can help clean your air.
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 18, 2026, the Wolf Canyon Fire is 100% contained.
The Meade Lake Complex is 100% contained.
The Herman Ranch Complex is 80% contained.
