Seven Cabins Fire Evening Update

Forest Service photo: Crews work to protect the communication site near the Seven Cabins Fire.

(Alamogordo, NM, May 14, 2026) – Suppression efforts continued throughout the afternoon with multiple aviation resources and on-the-ground crews working to limit forward progression of the fire.

Seven Cabins Fire Update

• Start Date/ Time: 4:12 a.m. on Thursday, May 14 
• Location: North of Capitan, Capitan Mountain Wilderness. 
• Acres: 150 estimated. 
• Containment: 0% contained.      
• Fuels: Dead and down within the Peppin Fire scar from 2004. Mostly large downed logs. 
• Cause: Under investigation. 
• Ownership: Federal Lincoln National Forest
• Structure Threat: Communication site.  
• Resources: 125 personnel 
• Evacuations / Closures: None at this time.
• Public Safety: The public should take caution and avoid the area so that first responders may work unimpeded.
• Weather: A Red Flag Warning is currently in effect. Currently 62 degrees F, 22% RH, southwest winds at 16 mph with gusts up to 32 mph.

Update: Crews conducted preparation operations around the communication site today, supported by aviation assets that utilized retardant to limit the fire’s advance. In anticipation of elevated fire weather conditions across the region, incident leadership is evaluating operational needs and determining supplemental personnel and equipment that may be requested to enhance response capacity.

Firefighters assigned to the incident continue to engage in direct suppression tactics within challenging, rugged terrain. The incident remains under Type 3 Incident Command, with a Complex Incident Management Team and further resources ordered.

Updates will be provided on the LNF website, NM Fire Information, Inciweb, and our social media page.