RATON, N.M. (KOAA) — Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared a disaster emergency because of the Schwachheim Fire burning near Trinidad.
- Watch News5's latest coverage of the fire below:
The Hoehne Fire Protection District says the Schwachheim Fire is burning in the Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area, which is located near the Colorado and New Mexico state line.
The fire, which according to ground crews is burning, is burning grass and brush in a previous burn scar west of the lake.
Officials say the fire has burned 1,012 acres and is 36% contained as of Thursday morning. The fire started on Sunday and continued to grow overnight and on Monday. Helicopters and ground crews are working to put the fire out.
The department says that a total of 116 personnel are working on containing the fire.
Crews expect critical fire weather conditions on Thursday, and a Red Flag Warning has been issued.
The fire was believed to have started by natural causes. While crews continue to battle the fire, the Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area, southeast of Trinidad near the N.M. border, is closed.
Any hunters with Turkey licenses for the property have been contacted directly by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
A temporary flight restriction is in effect for the airspace above the fire while air crews work to make attacks on the fire from above.
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