Colorado Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Colorado - May 12, 2026

Overview

Colorado is facing a significantly increased risk of wildfires as the state transitions into the summer months. Driven by a dismal winter snowpack—one of the lowest on record—warmer temperatures, and severe drought conditions gripping roughly 96% of the state, the landscape has been left parched from the forested mountains to the grassy eastern plains. While early May storms brought some moisture and bumped the state's snowpack slightly to 26% of the median, it remains well below average. The Governor has officially proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month, and state officials anticipate resources will be heavily tested in the coming months as fire danger rises.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Fire activity has been elevated early in the season, with state aircraft already dropping nearly 200,000 gallons of retardant in the first 117 days of 2026. Firefighters are actively managing early-season fires and preparing for an expected 6,000 to 7,000 fire starts this year.

Key Fires:

• Sedona Hills Fire: Located just north of Carter Lake in Larimer County (west of Loveland), this recent fire burned approximately 12.2 acres. Driven by variable winds, steep slopes, and dangerously dry vegetation, it initially prompted mandatory evacuations for the Sedona Hills community. Ground crews and aviation resources—including fixed-wing single-engine air tankers and a helicopter—successfully established containment lines, and evacuations have since been lifted.
• 24 Fire: Located on the Fort Carson Army Base south of Colorado Springs, this human-caused fire burned 7,385 acres and is currently 100% contained. Strong winds and low humidity initially pushed the fire rapidly through dry vegetation and grass.
• Poitrey Canyon Fire: Burning in Las Animas County northwest of Kim, this human-caused fire consumed 2,113 acres of grass and timber. Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity levels recently helped crews reach 100% containment.
• Schwachheim Fire: Located southeast of Trinidad in the Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, this fire burned 1,582 acres through an old burn scar with rugged, steep drainages. It is now 100% contained.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is conducting prescribed burns across approximately 2,285 acres in southwestern Colorado, including Dolores, San Miguel, and La Plata counties. These operations will continue as weather permits through May 2026 to reduce hazardous fuels and improve ecological health. Additionally, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are initiating spring prescribed fire operations across thousands of acres to reduce overgrown vegetation and protect local infrastructure.
Air Quality: Smoke from prescribed burns may drift over low-lying areas, including Dove Creek and Disappointment Valley, during cooler evenings. Residents near recent active incidents, such as the Sedona Hills Fire, may also experience localized smoke. Individuals with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed if smoke levels increase.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Recent early May storms brought minor precipitation and freezing temperatures to parts of the state. However, officials warn that these freezes may have killed budding plant life, leaving behind prime dead fuel that can cause fires to burn larger and move faster.
Forecasted Weather: A strong warming trend is expected to dry out the vegetation rapidly. The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for portions of the state, including the Front Range and southern Colorado, due to critical fire weather conditions. Wind gusts of 25-30 mph (and up to 45-50 mph in some areas), combined with relative humidity dropping to 10-15% or lower, are expected. Colorado has already seen over 114 Red Flag Warnings issued statewide so far in 2026, more than double the number by this time last year.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires, and rely on official local emergency channels rather than social media speculation during active incidents.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions with an elevated early-season fire risk. State and federal agencies are actively coordinating resources, utilizing Multi-Mission Aircraft and helicopters for rapid initial attacks, and conducting extensive fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas before the peak summer heat.

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): dfpc.colorado.gov
Colorado Emergency Management: dhsem.colorado.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.