Seven Cabins Fire Daily Update: May 23, 2026

Crews strengthened containment lines and expanded aerial support capabilities.

Daily Update: May 23, 2026

Acres: 24,437 acres                                                                                                                    Start Date: May 14, 2026

Location: Capitan Mountain Wilderness                                                                                  Cause: Human caused

Personnel: 913 personnel                                                                                                          Fuels: Heavy dead fuels in the Peppin burn scar

Containment: 15% Contained                                                                                                              

Resources:   43 crews | 34 engines | 9 helicopters | 36 Water Tenders | 10 dozers

Highlights: Crews strengthened containment lines and increased aerial support capacity, with new water sources and an operational FAA tower boosting firefighting effectiveness. Ignition operations are offensive actions that strategically slow the fire’s spread by safely reducing fuels ahead of the main fire.  

Operations: Yesterday, the north-side structure group focused on assessing structures while crews continued mop-up work to reinforce and secure the existing containment line. To the east, structure crews made steady progress on creating more defensible space. Crews continue working on a containment line to keep the fire west of the community of Arabela, with continued prep along a new secondary holding feature. Despite an unknown aircraft violating the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) grounding all aerial resources, aerial capabilities have increased significantly, with access to more than 200,000 gallons of water per day across three designated fill sites. In addition, a temporary FAA tower is now operational, which will enhance airspace coordination and improve aviation safety. Aerial resources will continue to support operations on the south end with offensive aerial firing. This will allow the fire to slowly back downslope, rather than establish in drainages and make uphill runs. Mastication operations will continue to reduce fuels along check lines, temporary holding features, for ignitions on the southern primary containment line.

Weather: Last night, another front pushed in from the northeast, bringing in an increase in moisture. Today, lighter winds are still expected, which will moderate fire behavior, but still remain active. There is a potential for afternoon showers to develop across the fire.  

Smoke: The increase in smoke yesterday was due to planned ignition operations. It is not expected to see the same amount of smoke as yesterday, but winds will continue to push smoke east 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: A Temporary Flight Restriction incursion yesterday grounded all firefighting aircraft, highlighting how critical it is to keep the airspace clear. Please follow all TFR’s, stay mindful of changing smoke conditions, and follow all closures so crews can continue working safely and effectively.