What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of May 17, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire is burning in the Capitan Mountain Wilderness in Lincoln County, New Mexico, near Capitan Gap Road east of Capitan (1).
The wildfire is located north of Capitan and approximately 25 miles northeast of Ruidoso in the Lincoln National Forest region.
The fire is spreading through dry fuels and rugged terrain within the Peppin Fire burn scar area, creating difficult firefighting conditions.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?
The cities and areas affected by the Seven Cabins Fire include:
- Boy Scout Mountain
- Capitan Mountain Wilderness
- Copeland Canyon
- Encinoso
- Gap Road
- Lincoln
- Pine Lodge area
- Ruidoso
- State Highway 246 corridor
What is the current containment status of the wildfire?
As of May 17, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire has burned approximately 6,361 acres and remains 0% contained.
Fire crews are using both direct and indirect suppression strategies to slow the fire’s spread, particularly south of Highway 246 and around the Pine Lodge area.
More than 200 personnel, along with helicopters, engines, dozers, and water tenders, are assigned to the incident. Strong winds, low humidity, and extremely dry fuels continue to create critical fire weather conditions that may contribute to additional fire growth (2).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Evacuation orders remain in effect for several areas impacted by the Seven Cabins Fire. A Level 3 GO evacuation order has been issued for zones LIU-115 and LIU-118, as well as areas between State Highway 246 and the ridge top of the Capitan Mountains between Gap Road and Boy Scout Mountain. Residents in these areas are advised to leave immediately for their safety.
Emergency shelters for livestock have been established in Capitan and Lincoln. Small livestock such as horses, goats, pigs, and chickens can be taken to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Capitan, while assistance for larger livestock is available through local emergency management services.
Authorities have also issued forest closure orders around the Capitan Mountains Wilderness Area and implemented temporary flight restrictions to support firefighting aircraft operations.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of May 17, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.
