Seven Springs Fire Update 6/23/25

Seven Springs Fire 30% contained – hard work and higher humidities aid in containment

Acres: 805                                                                                Start Date: 06/17/2025

Location: Mescalero, NM                                                         Personnel: 347

Containment: 30%                                                                   Fuels: Timber, timber litter, brush and grass

Cause: Lightning

Resources:     9 crews | 13 engines | 1 helicopters | 2 water tender | 1 dozer | 1 excavator

Highlights: Although gusty winds caused elevated fire weather conditions over the fire area yesterday, firefighters were successful in adding 30% containment line to the fire perimeter. Resources have been working hard to improve fireline on steep terrain and secure hot spots before declaring containment. Additionally, the steadily climbing humidity levels have assisted personnel in achieving greater depth with mop-up tactics. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for the area in anticipation of the incoming weather, including residents in Laborcita and Nogal Canyons.

Fire Activity: Yesterday, resources on the northeast perimeter of the fire made good progress in their mission gridding for hot spots through green vegetation, particularly in the middle section of that division. Whereas crews on the southeast portion wrapping to the southwest, spent time securing fireline on steep slopes to prevent rolling material from crossing the line, as well as rehabilitated dozer line. Thanks to the hard work of personnel on the line, managers were able to add separate sections of containment line in all divisions of the fire. Today, resources will move forward with similar operations. Crews will focus on securing priority spots around the perimeter, in addition to implementing repair plans, before incoming weather.

Weather: A continued shift in the weather pattern will raise relative humidities again today with increased potential for afternoon showers/thunderstorms. Temperatures will be 73-80^o with relative humidity climbing to 35-40%. Winds will be south to southwest at 5-10mph and could be gusty and erratic from storm activity. Should rainfall rates become strong, burn scar flooding could occur, and a flash flood watch has been issued for the area.

Smoke: Residents can still expect to see smoke from smoldering material in the fire. Any smoke in the morning will be confined to drainages in the immediate fire area before afternoon winds develop pushing smoke north. For more information, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/6cdd8b38

Closures: The interior and unimproved dirt roads of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation are currently closed to non-residents and unpermitted persons due to Stage 3 Fire Restrictions in place.

Safety: A temporary flight restriction has been issued over the fire area. It is illegal to fly drones within the area.

Fire Restrictions: Except for specific permit holders and residents traveling to and from homes, the Mescalero Apache Reservation interior and unimproved dirt roads are closed due to Stage 3 Fire Restrictions. Charcoal grills and campfires are not allowed, apart from dwellings with fireplaces or wood burning stoves equipped with proper screens. Fireworks are never permitted.