TRINIDAD, COLO. -- Two wildfires in Las Animas County near Trinidad have burned nearly 11,000 acres in all, most of which are in Colorado.

The Bear fire is near the New Mexico border and has burned nearly 5,000 acres, 4,600 of which are in Colorado. The 400 acres burned in northern New Mexico is the extent of that state's damage, as crews have contained the fire on that side of the border.

In Colorado, land on the Horseshoe and Barela Mesa has been burned, and it is only about five percent contained.

"The fire is growing right now. We're having moderate to extreme fire behavior and it still is growing on some parts of the fire," Dawn Sanchez, a Bear Fire information officer, said.

Officials said the biggest challenges firefighters are facing are strong winds and rugged terrain.

"When it does get too windy, it's not safe for aerial resources to fly," Sanchez said.

Sanchez said the terrain is steep, making it hard on the firefighters.

"It's really hard on their legs, ankles, knees," Sanchez said.

Fewer than 15 miles away the Purgatoire River Canyon fire has grown to about 5,600 acres. Crews are warning residents near the canyon to be aware of winds potentially pushing the fire out of the canyon.

There are currently 254 personnel assigned to these fires, including 13 engines, five hotshot crews, six Type 2 hand crews and five bulldozers.

"They come from wherever they're available and not on another assignment. There could be a crew from Craig, a hotshot crew from there, one from Wyoming, or they could be from California, so they move around the country, wherever they are needed," Bill Kight, a Public Information Officer with the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team, said.

An Incident Command Post has been set up at a nearby high school in Hoehne, which has turned into home for firefighters and support personnel.

Firefighters and personnel have set up tents and are prepared to stick it out until the fire is out.

"They all come self-sufficient. They're even able to feed themselves for a few days until things get straightened out for them," Kight said.

The fire has been upgraded from a Type III to a Type II, which means more resources are being sent in to help.

"We bring in what needs to be brought in to make things happen, whether it's supplies, batteries for the radio, which is a lot of batteries that get used. Things to sharpen their chainsaws, whatever it might be, we got it or we'll order it," Kight said.

Crews said four homes are within a half mile of the Bear fire, but residents have not yet been evacuated. They have been notified and are on standby. Officials said some have voluntarily chosen to leave.

Crews are asking the public to stay clear of the area unless they live there, and road restrictions are in effect on Grey Creek Road.

"If you're not a local we do ask that you stay out because there is heavy fire traffic," Sanchez said. "Also in case there is an evacuation, not only of the homeowners but the firefighters as well, we need to get them out of here."

The Bear fire was caused by lightning in the state of New Mexico.

Officials said it will take everyone working together to put out the fire.

"It doesn't matter what organization you're in, when you come here you put on the same shirt," Kight said.

"This gets in your blood and you want to do it because there is a crisis somewhere and you want to be there to help," Kight said.