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Schwachheim Fire Update April 20: 90% Contained at 1,582 Acres Near Trinidad, Crews Mop Up Remaining Hot Spots


Description: The Schwachheim Fire near Trinidad, Colorado is now 90% contained at 1,582 acres as of April 20, 2026. Crews continue mop-up operations with no evacuations in place, while Red Flag conditions and fire restrictions remain across Las Animas County...

Schwachheim Fire Update

Monday, April 20, 2026 – 8 a.m.

Colorado Incident Management Team

Phil Daniels, Incident Commander

Size:  1,582 acres

Containment: 90%

Total Personnel: 93

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: After a full day of patrolling and securing the line following Saturday’s firing operations on the northwest side of the fire, that area has now been included in the containment percentage. The Team has begun the planning process to “right-size” the incident before it is turned back over to local control. Unneeded resources are being demobilized, and Team Colorado’s last day managing the fire will be tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21.

Current Situation: Crews continue to patrol and mop up any remaining hot spots across the fire footprint. Hand-firing operations on the north side of the fire on Saturday were extremely effective, and no additional burning was required on Sunday. The only portion that remains uncontained is off the edge of a ridge down towards the creek bottom along the East Fork of Schwachheim Creek. Crews continue to identify and rehab areas in need of suppression repair.  

Weather: Today will remain warm, with highs in the mid to upper 60s, with partly sunny skies. and humidity between 8 and 13 percent. Variable winds are expected through Tuesday and will increase in the afternoon. Occasional gusts of 25-30mph may continue into Monday evening. Warmer and drier conditions are expected later in the week. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Wednesday due to strong southwest winds and low humidity values.

Fire Behavior: 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.