.png)
Schwachheim Fire Update April 18: 63% Contained at 1,012 Acres Near Trinidad, CO; Crews Plan Controlled Burns
Description: Latest Schwachheim Fire update (April 18, 2026): wildfire southeast of Trinidad, Colorado is 63% contained at 1,012 acres. Firefighters continue mop-up efforts and may conduct controlled burns as weather moderates.
Schwachheim Fire Update
Saturday, April 18, 2026 – 8 a.m.
Colorado Incident Management Team
Phil Daniels, Incident Commander
Size: 1,012 acres | Containment: 63% | Total Personnel: 115
Location: Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, 14 miles southeast of Trinidad in Las Animas County
Reported: April 12, 2026, at 2:45 p.m.
Special Notes: If conditions allow, crews will conduct firing operations on the north side of the fire this afternoon. An increase in visible smoke can be expected as ground crews conduct ignitions to remove the fuel between the fireline on the rim of the mesa and the bottom of the East Fork drainage of Schwachheim Creek.
Current Situation: Crews continue to patrol and mop up any remaining hot spots on the south side of the fire. Containment has increased with the addition of the entire east side of the fire along Schwachheim Creek. Yesterday, the area experienced the highest winds to date, and firefighters reported containment lines were tested but held. Only the northwest side of the fire remains uncontained, due to the rugged terrain and steep topography. Weather permitting, firefighters are planning hand-firing operations in that area this afternoon and tomorrow, using low-intensity burning to move the fire into terrain that is easier and safer for firefighters to suppress. Crews continue to evaluate the need for suppression repair across the fire.
Weather: A cold front dropped temperatures in the teens, and snow was reported in higher elevations. Although precipitation tapered off overnight, frost and some snow accumulation are expected to remain until this afternoon. Humidity values have increased slightly to the mid-teens. High temperatures today will be in the 50s, and sub-freezing temperatures are possible again overnight. Winds will be variable from the north, switching to the northeast this afternoon.
Fire Behavior: Fire behavior has moderated with the cooler weather and higher humidity levels. Fire activity for the last two days has been limited to creeping and smoldering in timber and grass. Upslope and updrainage fire activity is occurring when wind and terrain 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.
