"The fire’s rapid growth to over 4,200 acres in just two days and the deployment of up to 72 personnel highlight the significant resource commitment required for containment. Its progression from active to minimal behavior demonstrates effective suppression efforts in a challenging terrain."
The Post Fire, located 7 miles southeast of Trinidad in Las Animas County, Colorado, was first discovered on August 12, 2026. The natural‑ignition fire rapidly expanded from 1,000 acres at discovery to 4,205 acres by August 13, before stabilizing near 4,343 acres. Containment progressed from 0% on August 13 to 90% by August 20, with a brief dip to 90% on August 21 and a slight reduction to 90% again on September 3. Personnel peaked at 72 on August 13 and later decreased to 23 by August 19, with a single firefighter reported on August 21 and September 3. Fire behavior shifted from active flanking to moderate creeping and smoldering, eventually becoming minimal and isolated torching as containment increased. Estimated costs rose from $10,000 on August 13 to $1,260,873 by September 3.
Official source description: 7 Miles SE from Trinidad, CO
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering; Isolated Torching
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Pueblo. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is currently minimal and largely contained; however, residents should remain vigilant for any sudden changes in fire behavior and follow local advisories.
IRWIN ID: {251FD40C-6BCB-4C69-81EC-F105E1328374}
Discovered: Aug 12, 2026
Cause: Natural
Est. Cost to Date: $1,260,873
Coordinates: 37.082, -104.4214
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in CO.
The Post Fire has burned 4,335 acres as of September 3, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Post Fire is 90% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Post Fire is burning in Las Animas, CO.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Post Fire remains active.
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