"The rapid growth from 120 to 712 acres in less than 48 hours and the deployment of 23 personnel highlight the fire’s aggressive early behavior, while the eventual full containment within five days demonstrates effective firefighting response."
The Sheep Pen wildfire, located 12 miles southeast of Kim in Las Animas County, Colorado, was first discovered on August 12, 2026, and is caused by natural factors. The fire rapidly expanded from 120 acres at 20:40 UTC to 400 acres by 22:20 UTC on the same day, and reached 712 acres by August 13, 2026. By August 13, 2026, 30% of the fire was contained with 23 personnel on the scene, and the behavior was described as active with isolated torching. Containment improved steadily, reaching 65% on August 14, 80% on August 15, and full containment of 100% by August 17, 2026, while the fire behavior remained minimal and isolated torching throughout the final stages.
Official source description: 12 Miles SE from Kim, CO
Minimal; Isolated Torching
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Lamar. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is now fully contained and exhibits minimal behavior; standard wildfire safety precautions remain advised in the surrounding area.
IRWIN ID: {3C6707CA-75C5-48C1-9330-0B69C6A40DAE}
Discovered: Aug 12, 2026
Cause: Natural
Est. Cost to Date: $200,000
Coordinates: 37.0756, -103.2855
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in CO.
The Sheep Pen Fire has burned 712 acres as of August 17, 2026.
Yes, the Sheep Pen Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Sheep Pen Fire is burning in Las Animas, CO.
No, the Sheep Pen Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →