Seven Cabins Fire Update: Containment Nears 50% as Firefighters Scale Back Operations

Firefighters continued making progress on the Seven Cabins Fire near Capitan on Friday as containment approached 50 percent and personnel assignments began to decrease amid lower fire activity and improving conditions.

According to Friday evening fire officials, the human-caused wildfire stands at 28,910 acres and 48 percent containment, with approximately 821 personnel assigned to the incident. Firefighters spent the day mopping up remaining hot spots along the southern edge of the fire while suppression repair work continued elsewhere across the incident.

Fire managers reported containment line preparation along Forest Road 57 is nearly complete, while repair work in northern portions of the fire is also nearing completion. Crews have begun removing equipment and supplies no longer needed on the fire line as resource needs decline.

Officials noted that firefighters working in previously burned areas have begun seeing green grass re-sprouting following recent rainfall, offering an early sign of recovery within portions of the burn scar.

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Although containment continues to improve, fire managers cautioned that warmer temperatures, lower humidity, and increased winds are expected through the weekend. Fire personnel will continue monitoring the area for potential new starts associated with recent lightning activity and will maintain initial attack resources capable of responding quickly if needed.

As fire activity decreases, Southwest Incident Management Team 1 announced it will transfer command of the incident to Southwest Incident Management Team 2 beginning Saturday. Officials thanked residents, partner agencies, and community members for their support throughout the response effort.

Forest closures, Stage 1 fire restrictions, and SET evacuation notices remain in place for portions of the Capitan Mountain area, including the Fort Lone Tree area, Padilla Ranch, and areas near Forest Road 57. Highway 246 remains open to traffic.

Meanwhile, firefighters in western New Mexico have successfully contained a series of lightning-caused fires on the Gila National Forest.

The Maverick Fire on the Black Range Ranger District reached 100 percent containment Friday after growing to approximately 0.75 acres. A nine-person engine crew remained on scene conducting mop-up operations and cold-trailing, a process in which firefighters carefully check burned material by hand for lingering heat sources.

Forest officials also reported that three other lightning-caused fires discovered earlier this week have been declared out.

With warming and drying conditions returning across much of New Mexico, fire officials continue encouraging residents to remain vigilant, follow fire restrictions, and avoid activities that could spark new wildfires.