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Schwachheim Fire Update April 21, 2026: 90% Contained Near Trinidad, CO as Crews Begin Demobilization
Description: The Schwachheim Fire near Trinidad, Colorado is 90% contained at 1,582 acres as of April 21, 2026. Crews are mopping up hot spots while most resources are released. Red Flag Warning issued; no evacuations in place.
Schwachheim Fire Update
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 – 8 a.m.
Colorado Incident Management Team
Phil Daniels, Incident Commander
Size: 1,582 acres
Containment: 90%
Total Personnel: 58
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: This will be the final update from the Colorado Incident Management Team. The incident is being transitioned back to a local Type 4 Incident Management Team, which will provide updates if conditions warrant. We would like to thank the local communities in both Las Animas and Colfax Counties, especially Trinidad and Raton, for their patience and support while firefighters worked to suppress the fire.
Current Situation: Firefighters continue to patrol and mop up any remaining hot spots within the interior of the fire’s footprint, as well as identify and rehab areas in need of suppression repair. Most resources are being released, but a few hand crews will stay on to complete any remaining work.
Weather: Warmer and drier conditions are expected over the next couple of days. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Wednesday, followed by a Fire Weather Watch on Thursday. Temperatures will be in the 70s, with southwest winds from 25-35 mph and gusts up to 40 mph. Winds will increase through Thursday as a front moves through, and humidity may drop back down into the single digits.
Fire Behavior: Moderate fire behavior potential is expected in any remaining hot spots as temperatures rise and fuels dry out. Scattered heat remains in the interior of the northern side of the fire, but should not pose any threat to the line.
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.
