Firefighters spent Sunday conducting ignition operations near the intersection of North Base Road and Gap Road while crews on the eastern and southern portions of the fire continued mop-up work, reinforced containment lines, and worked to prevent additional fire growth.
Source: Seven Cabins Fire (via Facebook)
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Fire crews battling the Seven Cabins Fire near Capitan continued to make progress Sunday, increasing containment while preparing for additional burnout operations in the coming days.
According to Sunday evening fire officials, the blaze has now grown to 26,433 acres and is 40% contained, with 966 personnel assigned to the incident. Earlier in the day, incident management officials had reported the fire at 25,186 acres with 43% containment as crews continued suppression efforts around the Capitan Mountain Wilderness area.
Firefighters spent Sunday conducting ignition operations near the intersection of North Base Road and Gap Road while crews on the eastern and southern portions of the fire continued mop-up work, reinforced containment lines, and worked to prevent additional fire growth.
Officials also reported that an afternoon storm delivered beneficial moisture to portions of the fire area.
Residents near Fort Lone Tree and South Base Road east of Capitan Gap Road have been placed under SET evacuation status as fire managers prepare for planned burnout operations later this week. Officials said the operations are intended to strengthen containment lines, reduce hazardous fuels ahead of the fire, and improve firefighter and public safety.
Incident commanders noted that crews made significant progress along the eastern side of the fire Saturday using a combination of aerial ignitions, direct suppression tactics, and ground operations. Firefighters also continued operations along the southern flank of the fire while additional containment work progressed north of the fire perimeter.
Sunday afternoon smoke conditions changed noticeably for some Capitan residents after a smoke column collapsed back down onto the fire area, producing gusty and erratic outflow winds. Despite the shifting winds, officials said crews were able to keep the fire within established containment lines.
The fire, which began May 14, is believed to be human caused and is burning in heavy dead fuels within the Peppin burn scar area.
A forest closure remains in effect around the Capitan Mountain area, including Baca Campground, while Stage 1 fire restrictions and a temporary flight restriction over the fire also remain in place. Officials continue reminding the public that unauthorized drones in the area will force firefighting aircraft to ground operations temporarily.
Fire managers said aircraft activity is expected to continue as crews take advantage of weather conditions and opportunities to strengthen containment ahead of expected fire activity this week.
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