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Schwachheim Fire Update April 19: 1,582 Acres, 50% Contained Near Trinidad, CO; Crews Continue Mop-Up
Description: The Schwachheim Fire near Trinidad, Colorado has reached 1,582 acres and is 50% contained as of April 19, 2026. Fire crews are making progress with mop-up operations while dry, warming weather may increase fire activity. No evacuations are in place; closures and fire restrictions remain active.
Schwachheim Fire Update
Sunday, April 19, 2026 – 8 a.m.
Colorado Incident Management Team
Phil Daniels, Incident Commander
Size: 1,582 acres
Containment: 50%
Total Personnel: 120
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: The increase in acreage is due to firing operations on the northwest side of the fire yesterday. The containment percentage was reduced to reflect the increase in acreage.
Current Situation: Crews continue to patrol and mop up any remaining hot spots on the south side of the fire. Hand-firing operations on the north side of the fire were successful yesterday, and north/northeast winds helped firefighters achieve good consumption of existing fuels. Grasses dried out quickly despite overnight frost, and the area burned at a low intensity and low rate of spread that was easy for firefighters to control. Operations focused on the mesa top and ridgeline, and crews will return to the area today to clean up any unburned patches and patrol and mop up the perimeter. Crews continue to evaluate the need for suppression repair across the fire.
Weather: Today will be sunny, with highs in the low 60s and humidity between 9 to 14 percent. The weather will be mostly calm through Monday afternoon, with occasional afternoon wind gusts. Warmer and drier conditions are expected through the next few days.
Fire Behavior: Fire behavior moderated with the cooler weather and higher humidity levels. Fire activity has been limited to creeping and smoldering in downed timber and grass understory. Moderate fire behavior potential is expected as temperatures rise and fuels dry out. The fire will continue to be terrain and wind-driven.
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.
