Schwachheim Fire Update April 15: 1,003 Acres Burning Near Trinidad, CO, 0% Contained as Crews Hold Key Fire Lines

Description: (Photo Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife) Latest Schwachheim Fire update (April 15, 2026): wildfire near Trinidad, Colorado has reached 1,003 acres with 0% containment. Firefighters are holding critical lines despite shifting winds, with closures in place at Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area and Stage 2 fire restrictions across Las Animas County.

Schwachheim Fire Grows to 1,003 Acres in Southern Colorado; Crews Strengthen Lines as Winds Shift North

***Schwachheim Fire Update***

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – 10 a.m.

Colorado Incident Management Team

Phil Daniels, Incident Commander

Size: 1,003 acres | Containment: 0% | Total Personnel: 103

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

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

Current Situation: On the southwest side of the fire, a combination of dozer line construction and retardant drops has been effective in holding the left flank from Lake Dorothey up to the mesa top. 

The west/southwest winds have been pushing the fire to the north and northwest, so firefighters are scouting line locations along the rim edge above the main fork of Schwachheim Creek. Helicopters continue to work on the east side in the drainage to keep the fire west of the East Fork of Schwachheim Creek, while firefighters are securing the fireline on the right flank west of the East Fork of Schwachheim Creek to the mesa top. Additional resources have arrived, and more are en route.

Weather: Winds will predominantly be from the west to southwest, and are predicted to be relatively light on Wednesday, but will pick up on Thursday and become gusty. Temperatures will be cooler than yesterday, which should give firefighters a good window in which to work before warmer and windier weather returns.

Relative humidity is expected to remain in the single digits all week. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Thursday.

Fire Behavior: There was no significant growth in the southern areas of the fire yesterday. Most of the fire activity occurred in the west/northwest corner. Retardant drops from aircraft have been effective in the lighter fuels and along the left flank of the fire. Fire intensity has been moderated in the old burn scar area, although the remaining burned trees and snags are a safety concern for firefighters.

Closures: Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, southeast of Trinidad near the N.M. 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 www.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, Colorado 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

Follow SECO News on Facebook.
Subscribe to the SECO News YouTube Channel.

Press releases Sponsor