Raton Fire Department

05/19/2026

Attached is a QR code that you can use if you are in need of smoke alarms.
Just scan and fill out the form and submit it…the Fire Marshals Office will make arrangements to get them completed once the RedCross gets the needed information.

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

⚠️ EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ADVISORY: HIGHWAY 64 CLOSED ⚠️

The Colfax County Sheriff’s Office is issuing an emergency advisory for Highway 64.
A fire has been reported in the area, and the highway is CURRENTLY CLOSED in both directions between Mile Marker 322 and Mile Marker 335.

• Action Required: Please seek alternative routes immediately.

• Status: Fire crews are currently en route to the scene.

• Safety Request: We ask that all motorists avoid the area to reduce traffic congestion and allow emergency responders clear access.
We will provide further updates as the situation develops. Thank you for your cooperation and for keeping our first responders safe.

04/18/2026

UPDATE: Schwachheim Fire
Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, SE of Trinidad.

As of Friday, April 17, 4:55 p.m., the 1,012.2-acre fire is 63% contained — a considerable improvement since 8 a.m. today, when the fire's containment was reported to be 36% contained.

According to Incident Commander Phil Daniels of Colorado Incident Management Team, crews were busy patrolling and mopping up any remaining hot spots on the south and southwest side of the fire, and the east side of the fire along Schwachheim Creek was also looking good; however, the rugged terrain and steep topography on the north side of the fire has made access difficult, and helicopters addressed multiple hot spots by dropping water on the timber in the drainage.

Weather has played a part, and the fire's behavior has moderated with the cooler weather and higher humidity levels. There is a possibility that an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) may conduct aerial ignitions on Saturday, and that if conditions are right, USA firing operations would assist ground crews, moving the fire into terrain that is easier and safe for firefighters to suppress.

State 2 Fire Restrictions are still in effect in Las Animas County, CO, and Statewide Fire Restrictions are also in effect in New Mexico.

(This is a summary of a portion of information provided by Watch Duty. Photo: Courtesy of Watch Duty.)

04/17/2026

Raton Intermediate School students showing their appreciation! 🤍

04/17/2026

SCHWACHHEIM FIRE CREWS GAIN GROUND WITH SOUTHWEST SIDE CONTAINMENT.

The Schwachheim Fire has grown to 1,012 acres with 36% containment, as firefighters continue making progress on multiple fronts near Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area, southeast of Trinidad, Colorado.

Incident Details:
• Incident Commander: Phil Daniels (Colorado IMT)
• Personnel: 116
• Reported: April 12, 2026 at 2:45 PM
• Location: Las Animas County, CO

Current Situation:
Crews have successfully established a solid handline on the southwest side, tying it into the rim rock at Fishers Peak Mesa.
The south and southwest portions are now considered contained, with firefighters actively patrolling and mopping up remaining hot spots.

On the east side, crews have installed both handlines and hose (“wet”) lines along the creek bottom.
Containment has been achieved near Lake Dorothey, with efforts underway to push containment north along Schwachheim Creek.

Challenges remain on the north and northwest flanks, where steep, rugged terrain is limiting access. Crews are working to safely develop a strategy to tie off the East Fork drainage.

Weather Concerns:
Red Flag Warning in effect
• Southwest winds gusting 35–40 mph, especially near Fishers Peak Mesa
• Relative humidity in the single digits
• Poor overnight recovery (~20%)
• Incoming cold front bringing cooler temps, strong winds, and possible thunderstorms

Firefighters continue to make progress, but critical fire weather and difficult terrain remain key concerns.

Per Colorado Incident Management Team. 📸 Adam Friedel

04/16/2026

Happy Dispatchers Week to the ladies that keep us inline, we greatly appreciate you all!

And shoutout to Erica Sisneros for making their basket!

01/08/2026

Here is the 2026 CPR schedule for Raton Fire!