Schwachheim

Note: As of May 8, 2026, the Schwachheim Fire is 100% contained and inactive. Because there has been no active fire behavior over the last 72 hours, this report reflects the final situational summary and current post-fire conditions.

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Schwachheim Fire ignited on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at approximately 2:45 p.m.. It burned within the Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, southeast of Trinidad in Las Animas County, near the Colorado-New Mexico border.
Size and Containment: The fire reached a final size of 1,582 acres and was declared 100% contained on April 24, 2026.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Burning in rugged terrain and steep topography, the fire was primarily fueled by grassy areas and timber. Early in its progression, it experienced rapid, wind-driven growth to the northeast due to gusty conditions and critically low humidity.
Containment Efforts: Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency for the incident, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan. The response was initially managed by a Colorado Type 3 Incident Management Team and included hand crews, engines, state aircraft, and helicopters dropping water and retardant. The Colorado Springs Fire Department also deployed a brush crew to assist. The incident was transitioned back to a local Type 4 team on April 21 for final mop-up, patrol, and suppression repair.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There were no mandatory evacuations ordered for this incident.
Evacuation Warnings: No evacuation warnings were issued.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Not applicable, as no evacuations were required.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• The 4,500-acre Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area was shut down by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to allow fire crews to respond and remains subject to post-fire rehabilitation assessments.
• No major state highways or county roads were reported closed.

For more information, visit:

• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC)
• Las Animas County Emergency Management
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife Updates

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Schwachheim Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures were reported damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No schools or local businesses were forced to close.
Notable Impacts: The fire burned within the Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, a popular area for hunting, fishing, and hiking. Local officials in nearby Raton, New Mexico, have been preparing for potential post-fire erosion control to protect the city's water supply in the Lake Maloya watershed.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages were reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: Erosion control and watershed protection are ongoing concerns for the Lake Dorothy and Lake Maloya watersheds, which serve as a water supply for Raton, NM.
Burn Bans: Las Animas County is currently under Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibit building campfires in developed campgrounds and restrict activities that can create sparks.
Air Quality: While smoke impacted the area during the active burning phase in mid-April, air quality has since returned to normal following full containment.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is 100% contained and inactive. Firefighters have completed patrolling, mopping up hot spots, and suppression repair. The incident has been deactivated from active monitoring systems.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Although there are no immediate Red Flag Warnings for the fire footprint over the last 72 hours, state officials warn of elevated wildfire risk heading into the summer. Approximately 97% of Colorado is currently facing moderate to severe drought conditions, prompting the state to activate a Drought Task Force.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Schwachheim Fire remains unknown and under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Extreme climate and weather played a significant role in the fire's initial ignition and spread. Las Animas County was experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. During the fire's active period, the area was under Red Flag Warnings with southwest winds gusting up to 45 mph and relative humidity dropping as low as 9%. Colorado officials note that severe drought is gripping much of the state, creating a much higher fire risk for the 2026 season.

For more information, visit:

• Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Watch Duty Wildfire Map
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)