Schwachheim Fire Update April 16: 1,012 Acres, 36% Contained Near Trinidad, CO Amid Red Flag Warning

Description: (Photo Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Adam Friedel) The Schwachheim Fire near Trinidad, Colorado has reached 36% containment at 1,012 acres. Crews are securing lines amid Red Flag conditions, high winds, and ongoing closures in Las Animas County. Read the Full Update...

Colorado’s Schwachheim Fire Reaches 36% Containment as Crews Battle Winds Near Trinidad

Schwachheim Fire Update

Thursday, April 16, 2026 – 8 a.m.

Colorado Incident Management Team

Phil Daniels, Incident Commander

Size:  1,012 acres

Containment: 36%

Total Personnel: 116

Location: Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, southeast of Trinidad in Las Animas County

Reported: April 12, 2026, at 2:45 p.m.

Special Notes: Containment has now been reported on the south and southwest sides of the fire. 

Current Situation: Crews have established a solid handline on the southwest side of the fire all the way to the edge of the rim rock at Fishers Peak Mesa. They are now calling the south and southwest sections of the fire contained, and firefighters are patrolling and mopping up any remaining hot spots. The rugged terrain and steep topography in the north and northwest side of the fire are hampering access. Firefighters are developing an appropriate suppression strategy to tie off the East Fork drainage of Schwachheim Creek in a manner that does not compromise firefighter safety. On the east side of the fire, hand lines and “wet” (hose) lines have been installed along the creek bottom. Containment has also been achieved in the lower portion of the east side of the fire adjacent to Lake Dorothey, and crews are working to extend that containment north along Schwachheim Creek.

Weather: Critical fire weather conditions are expected today, and a Red Flag Warning has been issued. Southwest winds will continue, with gusts between 35 and 40 mph expected, especially on Fishers Peak Mesa. Relative humidity values in the single digits are likely. Overnight moisture recoveries look to be poor, in the low 20% range, with continued breezy southwest winds. A cold front will be moving into the area tomorrow, bringing cooler temperatures but also high winds and the potential for thunderstorms.

Fire Behavior: Thanks in part to a break in the weather, there was very little growth on the fire yesterday. Fire behavior was limited to low, creeping flame activity that stayed within the established footprint. 

Closures: Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, southeast of Trinidad near the New Mexico border, is closed. Turkey hunting license holders for this property will be notified directly by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect in the airspace above the fire. Wildfires are always a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Las Animas County, Colorado, including the towns of Trinidad, Aguilar, El Moro, Cokedale, Jansen, and Hoehne. Statewide Fire Restrictions are also in effect in New Mexico. Smoking, fireworks, campfires, open burning, and gas flares related to oil and gas production are prohibited.

Evacuations: None. Stay informed and sign up for Las Animas County, CO emergency alerts at: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/login.action?lpse=1. Sign up for Colfax County, NM emergency alerts at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/colfaxcountynm/contact.

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