NEWS
Seven Cabins Fire grows to 25,000 acres
The wildfire continues to burn in the Capitan Mountains as crews make progress toward containment
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A wildfire in the Capitan Mountains that ignited over a week ago has grown to 25,000 acres as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
The Seven Cabins Fire sparked on May 14 after a medical plane crashed near Ruidoso, killing all four people aboard. The wildfire continues to burn heavy dead fuels in the Peppin burn scar.
As of Sunday, the fire was 43% contained.
鈥淐rews have made substantial progress towards containment, using a combination of ground ignitions, aerial operations, and both direct and indirect suppression tactics,鈥� according to an update posted on wildfire information management system New Mexico Fire Information.
A forest closure from N.M. 246 around the Forest Service boundary and south to the South Base Trail System remains in place. Baca campground is included in the closure.
Residents near N.M. 246 to the ridge top of the Capitan Mountains, between mile marker 13 and Boy Scout Mountain, have been evacuated.
The Lincoln County Fire Service said residents near Ft. Lone Tree and South Base Road east of Capitan Gap Road are in a SET status, meaning they should be prepared to evacuate.
Multiple aircraft will be deployed to aid in fire suppression and a temporary flight restriction is in place.
Aerial capabilities increased over the weekend and firefighters now have access to 200,000 gallons of water.
Light winds from the south will push the blaze into an area where 鈥渧ery active fire behavior" is expected, though showers and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon.
Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.
