Seven Cabins Fire Daily Update: May 28, 2026

Crews continue containment efforts, expanding defensible space and strengthening holding lines

Daily Update: May 28, 2026

Acres: 28,907                                                                                                           

Start Date: May 14, 2026

Location: Capitan Mountain Wilderness                                                                  

Cause: Human caused

Personnel: 1,114 personnel                                                                                       

Fuels: Heavy dead fuels in the Peppin burn scar

Containment: 46% Contained                                                                                                

Resources:   45 crews | 53 engines | 6 helicopters | 38 Water Tenders | 10 dozers

Highlights: Containment efforts continue to advance, and the public is encouraged to stay aware as crews and equipment remain active in the area.

Operations: Crews made steady progress yesterday as they continued extinguishing remaining heat through mop‑up operations in the northern area of the fire. Fire resource advisors, who work to protect resources during suppression activities, worked alongside crews and have nearly completed restoration efforts in the northern area of the fire. On the south side of the fire, crews continued to create defensible space around structures and values at risk. Primary and alternative fire containment lines, including Forest Road 57, checklines, and dozer lines were further improved to support potential firing operations if conditions require them. Today crews will continue securing and extinguishing remaining heat along the fire perimeter, and with incoming thunderstorms an Initial Attack (IA) group has been organized to support rapid response capability for any potential new fire starts. A public meeting is scheduled at the Arabela Volunteer Fire Department today at 6 p.m.

Weather: Warmer and drier conditions yesterday led to lower relative humidity across the fire area, keeping storm activity isolated. Overnight, the fire area experienced good recovery from moisture in the air, helping slow fire activity. Today, there is a chance of afternoon cloud buildup and thunderstorms in the higher terrain.

Smoke: Smoke remains light and dispersed across the fire area, but it is expected to become more visible as fuels dry and grass and ground cover continue to burn. For air quality information, please check local conditions at Fire.AirNow.gov.

Closures and Warnings: A forest closure is in effect across the Capitan Mountain area, extending south of Highway 246 to the Forest Service boundary and continuing south to Forest Service Road 57. Baca campground is included in the closure. Stage 1 fire restrictions also remain in effect. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire to ensure safe access for firefighting aircraft. If a drone enters the restricted airspace, all firefighting aircraft must be grounded to ensure safety. Remember “If You Fly, We Can’t.”

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. SET status remains in place for the Fort Lone Tree area, South Base Road east of Capitan Gap Road, and along State Highway 246 from mile marker 13 to the ridge top of the Capitan Mountains near Boy Scout Mountain. Residents in these areas should monitor changing conditions and be prepared to leave if needed. For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit (https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/services/fire___emergency_services/index.php).

Safety: Although smoke has decreased across the fire area, crews, heavy equipment, and machinery remain active in and around the incident. The safety of firefighters and the public is our highest priority, and we ask everyone to stay aware of ongoing operations. Fire personnel will continue working along area road systems, and increased caution from the public helps keep both firefighters and community members safe.