Seven Cabins Fire Update: Blaze Nears 50% Containment as Repair Efforts Expand

The Seven Cabins Fire near Capitan continued a slow but steady march toward containment Thursday as firefighters expanded defensible space, strengthened containment lines, and prepared for the possibility of new lightning-caused fire starts elsewhere in the region.

According to Thursday evening fire officials, the wildfire has grown slightly to 28,907 acres and is now 49% contained. Personnel assigned to the incident declined to approximately 1,050 as portions of the fire transition from active suppression to repair and restoration work.

Firefighters spent Thursday hiking the southern edge of the fire to extinguish remaining hot spots while additional crews continued masticating vegetation and reducing fuels along containment lines and Forest Road 57. On the north and east sides of the fire, suppression repair efforts continued, including chipping cut vegetation, repairing disturbed areas, and removing equipment no longer needed on the line.

Incident managers reported continued progress in the northern portion of the fire, where mop-up operations and restoration efforts are nearing completion. Fire resource advisors have been working alongside crews to minimize long-term impacts from firefighting operations and restore affected areas where possible.

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On the southern flank, firefighters continued creating defensible space around structures and other values at risk while improving primary and alternate containment lines in preparation for potential firing operations should weather conditions require them.

While recent moisture has helped moderate fire behavior, officials cautioned that warmer and drier conditions are expected to gradually return. Smoke remains relatively light and dispersed but could become more noticeable as fuels continue to dry and lingering heat ignites surrounding grasses and ground cover.

With thunderstorms remaining in the forecast, incident managers have also organized a dedicated Initial Attack group capable of responding quickly to any new lightning-caused fires that may develop in the area.

A forest closure remains in effect across portions of the Capitan Mountain area south of Highway 246, including Baca Campground. Stage 1 fire restrictions, temporary flight restrictions, and SET evacuation status for portions of the Fort Lone Tree area, South Base Road east of Capitan Gap Road, and sections of Highway 246 near Boy Scout Mountain also remain in effect.

Fire officials continue reminding the public that although smoke has diminished in recent days, firefighting personnel, heavy equipment, and machinery remain active throughout the incident area and motorists should use caution when traveling near ongoing operations.