Schwachheim Fire Update April 17: 1,012 Acres, 36% Contained Near Trinidad, Colorado

Description: Latest Schwachheim Fire update for April 17, 2026: the wildfire has burned 1,012 acres and is 36% contained near Trinidad, Colorado. Crews continue mop-up efforts while planning aerial ignition operations as weather shifts and fire behavior moderates. Read the Full Press Release...

Schwachheim Fire Update Friday, April 17, 2026 – 8 a.m.

Colorado Incident Management Team

Phil Daniels, Incident Commander

Size:  1,012 acres  |  Containment: 36%  |  Total Personnel: 124

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

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

Current Situation: Crews continue patrolling and mopping up any remaining hot spots on the south and southwest side of the fire. The east side of the fire along Schwachheim Creek is also looking good, and firefighters are evaluating the need for suppression repair activities in both of these areas. The rugged terrain and steep topography on the north side of the fire are still making access difficult, and multiple hot spots remain, despite efforts by helicopters dropping water on the timber in the drainage. A window of opportunity exists to use an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to conduct aerial ignitions on Saturday. If conditions are right, UAS firing operations would assist ground crews in removing the fuels between the fireline on the rim of the mesa and the bottom of the East Fork drainage of Schwachheim Creek. This would move the fire into terrain that is easier and safer for firefighters to suppress.

Weather: Today is a transition day in terms of weather. A Red Flag Warning is still in effect; however, a cold front will move into the area later today, bringing cooler temperatures and gusts from the north up to 35 mph. Humidity values will increase slightly to the mid-teens, and snow is possible at higher elevations. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected overnight. Saturday is expected to remain cool, with mostly cloudy skies, less gusty winds, and possible showers.

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior has moderated with the cooler weather and higher humidity levels. Fire activity was limited to creeping and smoldering in timber and grass, with more intense flames occurring when wind, terrain, and fuels align.  

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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