NMLNF 2026 BAER Seven Cabins
InciWeb Article posted: June 2, 2026
Last updated: 2026-06-02 --- The type of incident is Burned Area Emergency Response and involves the following unit(s) Lincoln National Forest. --- State: New Mexico --- Coordinates: Latitude: 33° 38 23 Longitude: 105° 19 27 --- NOTE: All fire perimeters and points are approximations. --- Incident Overview: The Seven Cabins Fire started on May 14, 2026, in the Capitan Mountain on the Smokey Bear Ranger District on the Lincoln National Forest. Initial attack resources from the Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District responded. Shortly after the initial attack, Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 1 (SWCIMT1) was ordered due to the fire burning in rugged inaccessible terrain of the Wilderness area and assumed command on Friday, May 15th. The management of the fire transitioned to Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 2 (SWCIMT2) on Saturday, May 30th at 6am.The fire is being suppressed using direct extinguishment and indirect confinement strategies. Firefighters are continuing containment efforts across the fire including mop-up operations. Crews will continue to expand defensible space around structures and values at risk while also improving holding lines.In the last few days, suppression resources have made significant progress constructing and reinforcing containment lines. More favorable weather conditions have resulted in lower fire intensity in many areas. Suppression repair in select areas of the fire is in progress and will increase in the coming days. On Sunday May 31st, the U.S. Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team arrived to identify and manage potential risks to resources on National Forest System lands and reduce these threats through appropriate emergency measures to protect human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources.
Why it matters: Impacts travel plans and personal safety.
