May 22, 2026 
Containment has increased due to hard work by air and ground firefighters.
Daily Update: May 22nd, 2026
Acres: 17,852 acres Start Date: May 14, 2026
Location: Capitan Mountain Wilderness Cause: Human caused
Personnel: 863 personnel Fuels: Heavy dead fuels in the
Containment: 15% Contained Peppin burn scar
Resources: 39 crews | 34 engines | 8 helicopters | 39 Water Tenders | 7 dozers
Highlights: Seamless coordination between night and day crews has strengthened firefighting efforts, allowing crews to build on each other’s progress and increase containment to 15%.
Operations: Yesterday’s firing operations were successful. They were supported by aerial and ground resources, including 150,000 gallons of water delivered by air. Seamless transition between day and night crews allowed operations to continue along the Base Road on the west side. With lighter winds expected today, fire growth should remain slow and terrain‑driven along the north, east, and southeast sides, with winds pushing the fire into itself. Crews will be utilizing hand lines from a previous fire to enhance perimeter control, keep the fire from advancing east, and to protect private property. Ignition operations on west side and direct containment lines on east side, crews are using an offensive posture to continue building containment. On the south side, crews are slowly improving the 57 road to act as a containment line as the fire continues to back down the hillside.
Weather: Yesterday morning, showers and thunderstorms moved over the fire, increasing humidity, helping cool fuels and reducing fire intensity. Westerly winds in the afternoon pulled dryer weather in and stayed over the fire through the night. Today, lighter winds are expected to keep fire activity moderate, with movement pushing the fire into previously burned areas. There is a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms moving east.
Smoke: Following a successful day of firing operations, residents east of the fire may see increased smoke from westerly winds. These smoke impacts are more noticeable downwind as crews continue to secure the perimeter of the fire. For air quality information, please check local conditions at AirNow.gov.
Closures and Warnings: A forest closure remains in place, encompassing the Capitan Mountain area, from Highway 246 around the Forest Service boundary and south to the South Base Trail System. Baca campground is included in the closure. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place over the fire to ensure safe access for firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t. If a drone enters the airspace, all firefighting aircraft must 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: Evacuation statuses are evaluated daily. Currently, 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: As the Memorial Day weekend begins, visitors and residents are encouraged to drive safely and remain vigilant of fire crews continuing work around the roads and fire perimeter. Follow all fire restrictions and stay aware of changing conditions to help keep local communities and public lands safe.
NM Fire Info 
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