Multiple Wildfires Burn Eastern Las Animas County, Air Advisory Issued

A wildfire burned in a rural area of eastern Las Animas County beginning December 21, with the closest populated place reported as the small community of Kim, about 60 miles east of Trinidad. As of the night of December 21 officials had not confirmed how that fire started, nor had they released an acreage estimate, leaving residents uncertain about the scope and potential trajectory of the blaze.

Residents in the area reported that the fire appeared to be moving quickly amid dry and windy conditions, and a local resident shared video of flames and smoke late on December 21. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory for the region because of smoke, a notice that affects people with respiratory conditions, outdoor workers, and anyone spending time outdoors across parts of the county.

Las Animas County Emergency Manager Kim Chavez provided additional context about other fires that ignited around the same period. On December 21 a separate fire began off Picketwire Road after a structure fire spread into nearby wildland. That Picketwire Fire grew from a structure incident into a wildland fire but has been declared 100 percent contained. Chavez also reported that a lightning strike on December 20 started the Cherry Canyon Fire, which burned an estimated 80 to 100 acres deep in eastern Las Animas County. The Cherry Canyon Fire remained under monitoring by Kim Fire, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Branson Volunteer Fire Department, and other local crews, with no containment level reported for that incident at the time of the update.

The cluster of ignitions highlights the challenge facing fire and emergency management in rural areas during periods of dry weather and wind. For local residents the immediate concerns are smoke impacts to health and visibility, potential threats to isolated homes and ranch infrastructure, and the need for timely information on containment and any evacuation orders. County officials and fire agencies are the primary sources for updates and safety guidance, and residents are advised to follow their notices and take recommended precautions for smoke exposure until conditions improve.