Seven Cabins Fire Daily Update: May 20, 2026

Firing operations and moderated winds lead to a rise in containment. 

Daily Update: May 20th, 2026 

Acres: 16,443 acres

Start Date: May 14, 2026 

Location: Capitan Mountain Wilderness

Cause: Human caused 

Personnel: 787 personnel

Fuels: Heavy dead fuels in the Peppin burn scar 

Containment: 7% Contained

Resources: 32 crews | 36 engines | 6 helicopters | 30 Water Tenders | 7 dozers 

Highlights: 7% containment achieved due to the hard work from the men and women on the ground and in the air. The lower winds allowed for aerial firing to enhance control lines. 

Operations: Within the fire’s containment area, crews are conducting thorough mop-up operations to identify and extinguish lingering hotspots. Firefighters are using hand tools and their bare hands, feeling for heat on the ground to detect hidden hot spots to help ensure the fire remains within established control lines. On the northwest side of the fire, crews are taking direct action to reinforce holding features to limit fire growth. 

Along the southern perimeter, helicopters are supporting suppression efforts by delivering water to crews as they continue to strengthen and improve control lines. On the western side of the incident, a spot fire was located and contained at 63 acres. Work continues to finalize the plan to slow fire growth on the eastern side of the fire. 

Firefighters are using natural features to temporarily slow fire growth while evaluating and enhancing control lines west of Arabela. 

Weather: With the arrival of the cold front, the fine dead fuels have increased in moisture, which will reduce fire spread. The mountain ridges and larger fuels have not been affected by the humidity. The winds will shift from southeasterly to southwesterly, with relative humidity lowering during the day. 

Smoke: Residents southeast of the incident should anticipate visible smoke and a large plume. For air quality information, please check local conditions at AirNow.gov. 

Closures and Warnings: State Highway 246 remains closed between mile marker 19 north of Capitan and Mark Road in Chavez County. There is a forest closure order in place, closing all roads, trails, and access to the Capitan Mountains wilderness area and surrounding areas. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place around the fire to ensure safe access for firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t. If a drone enters in the airspace, all firefighting aircraft have to be grounded to ensure safety. 

Forest Closure Order: (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts/order-03-08-01-26-001-seven-cabins-fire-closure) Fire Restrictions: (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts/order-03-08-26-001-stage-1-fire-restrictions) 

Evacuations: GO status evacuations are currently in effect from State Highway 246 to the ridge top of the Capitan Mountains, between mile marker 13 and Boy Scout Mountain. Residents in this area should leave the area to ensure their safety. There is a SET status evacuation north of Highway 246 between mile marker 13 and Boy Scout Mountain, for more information or to sign up for alerts, visit (https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/services/fire emergency_services/index.php). 

Safety: Although the evacuation status has not changed, it is important to have a plan to ensure residents’ safety. Prepare a “go-bag” with essential items, including medications, chargers, clothing, important paperwork, pet supplies, and personal essentials that can be quickly grabbed if conditions change. Creating a “go-bag” ahead of time can make an evacuation faster, safer, and less stressful.