Crews have managed to get initial containment of 36% for the Schwachheim fire burning near the Colorado-New Mexico border southeast of Trinidad.

Containment has been achieved on the south and southwest side of the fire that has burned 1,012 acres, according to a Thursday morning update from the Colorado Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Burning within the Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, fire officials said the blaze saw “very little growth” on Wednesday due to a break in windy weather conditions.

Those conditions were expected to worsen on Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service’s office in Pueblo, elevated fire weather conditions are expected across southeast Colorado. Breezy southwest winds blowing up to 50 mph can be expected throughout the day, with the strongest in the afternoon. Relative humidity could be as low as 7% in some areas.

High fire danger is expected today, due to gusty winds and dry surface conditions. Red Flag Warning is in effect for most of our area. Make sure to avoid any actions that could start a fire! #cowx #firewx pic.twitter.com/Smqi3fXlMA

— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) April 16, 2026

The Weather Service issued a red flag warning starting at 11 a.m. Thursday for several counties across the plains, including El Paso, Pueblo and Fremont counties.

More about what’s going on with the fire

Crews have established solid handlines on the southwest side of the fire all the way to the edge of the rim rock at Fishers Peak Mesa, according to the update from officials. As of Thursday morning, firefighters were mopping up any remaining hot spots along that side.

Rugged, steep terrain along the fire’s north and northwest sides still proves difficult for firefighters to navigate, but they are developing suppression strategies that do not compromise firefighter safety, officials said.

East of the fire, crews installed handlines and “wet” hose lines along a creek bottom. Containment was achieved in a lower portion of the east side, adjacent to Lake Dorothey.

The wildlife area, southeast of Trinidad, remains closed until further notice. Turkey hunting license holders affected by the fire will be notified directly by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

A temporary flight restriction is still in effect for the airspace above the fire.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect in Las Animas County, 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.