Residents of Meade were allowed to return home early Friday morning after a fast-moving wildfire prompted evacuations around 2:30 a.m., according to the Meade County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire began near P Road and Highway 23 before advancing toward the south side of the city. Emergency crews were able to bring the blaze under control shortly before 2:50 a.m., officials said.

Smoke from the wildfire also created dangerous driving conditions in the area. Due to poor visibility, U.S. Highway 54 has been closed between Meade and the Oklahoma state line. The Kansas Department of Transportation said the closure is expected to remain in place until at least 8:00 a.m.

Officials say several wildfires broke out across southwest Kansas Thursday evening after lightning from severe thunderstorms ignited dry vegetation.

The Kansas Department of Transportation also reported that K-51 was closed from the U.S. 56/K-51 junction to Richfield, north of Rolla. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area until further notice.

Multiple agencies responded to fires throughout the region. Stevens County Emergency Services said crews assisted with a wildfire southwest of Hugoton, while the Morton County Fire Department battled a separate fire west-northwest of Hugoton.

Authorities continue to monitor fire conditions across southwest Kansas as dry weather and gusty winds increase the risk of additional wildfire activity.