Colorado Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Colorado - April 21, 2026

Overview

Colorado is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a historically dry winter and record-low snowpack, leaving almost 90% of the state in some level of drought, with 22% facing exceptional drought conditions. This combination of factors, along with high temperatures and dead vegetation, has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 2, indicating a moderate level of national readiness where local geographic areas are managing incidents well, but some national resources are required to support active regions.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently active fires in Colorado, and significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas. The potential for new significant wildfires to start in the next several days is above normal for this time of year due to the extremely dry fuels. Firefighters have taken advantage of a recent break in the weather to increase containment on existing fires while also preparing for potential new starts as temperatures rebound.

Key Fires:
Schwachheim Fire: Located southeast of Trinidad near the Colorado-New Mexico border in the Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, this fire started on April 12, 2026, and is currently estimated at 1,012 acres with 36% containment. It continues to be fueled by grass and brush in an old burn scar with rugged, steep drainages. Crews have established a solid handline on the southwest side of the fire all the way to the edge of the rim rock at Fishers Peak Mesa and are focused on mopping up and patrolling for hotspots.

County Road 64 Fire: This recently ignited wildfire broke out east of Wellington in Northern Colorado on April 20. It grew to approximately 6 acres before being knocked down by firefighters. It is currently in the mop-up phase, and mandatory evacuation orders for residents along N. County Road 3 and north of E. County Road 56 to E. County Road 64 have been successfully lifted.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations this spring to reduce overgrown vegetation and protect local communities. Planned burns include the 5,000-acre Cow Creek Unit 2 and several other projects across the region. In Eagle County, communities are utilizing innovative land management techniques, including deploying remote-controlled robo-mowers to clear brush on steep slopes and installing 1,000 solar-powered smoke and particle sensors on trees for early wildfire detection. Additionally, Colorado County officially rescinded its local burn ban following recent rainfall that decreased public safety concerns in that specific jurisdiction.

Air Quality: Smoke from the prescribed burns across the GMUG National Forests and other regions may be visible and could impact local air quality. Residents in affected areas may experience smoke during these operations and are advised to monitor local air quality indexes, using caution when outdoors.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A warming trend is peaking mid-week with extreme fire weather conditions. High temperatures are climbing, and dry, breezy conditions are prevalent across the plains and foothills.

Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for Wednesday from 10 AM to midnight MDT, covering much of southeast Colorado. A Fire Weather Watch is also in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected, combined with relative humidity dropping as low as 5 to 6 percent. These conditions will contribute to extreme fire behavior, meaning any new fires could spread uncontrollably and be very destructive. A strong cold front is expected to sweep through the plains later in the week, bringing cooler temperatures and a chance of rain and snow to the high country and the Denver area by Friday.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of extreme fire weather conditions and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, adhere to any local fire restrictions, and clear dead brush and wood mulch from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. When driving, slow down and turn on headlights if smoke is encountered on the roadways.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working diligently under challenging drought conditions. Agencies are utilizing innovative technology, such as drones and early-warning sensors, and conducting extensive fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas and create miles-long firebreaks.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control: dfpc.colorado.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.