EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Seven Springs Fire, which is burning on Mescalero Apache land, has reached 30 percent containment as of Monday afternoon, June 23, according to an update from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.
The fire is still at around 800 acres, with over 300 personnel working on the fire.
The cause of the fire was discovered to be lightning, and nine crews, 13 engines, one helicopter, two water tenders, one dozer, and one excavator are currently helping with the fire, the incident management team said.
A flash flood watch has been issued for the area in anticipation of the incoming weather, including residents in Laborcita and Nogal Canyons.
Firefighters were successful in adding 30 percent containment to the fire perimeter, and crews have been working to improve the fireline on steep terrain and secure hot spots before declaring containment, the incident management team said.
“Yesterday, resources on the northeast perimeter of the fire made good progress in their mission
gridding for hot spots through green vegetation, particularly in the middle section of that division. Whereas crews on the southeast portion wrapping to the southwest spent time securing fireline on steep slopes to prevent rolling material from crossing the line, as well as rehabilitating the dozer line,” the incident management team said.
The fire originally started on Tuesday, June 17.
Residents can expect to see smoke from the fire. Any smoke in the morning will likely be confined to drainages in the immediate fire area before afternoon winds develop, pushing smoke north. You can learn more about smoke conditions here.
The interior and unimproved dirt roads of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation are currently
closed to non-residents and unpermitted persons due to Stage 3 Fire Restrictions in place.
A temporary flight restriction has been issued over the fire area. It is illegal to fly drones within the area.
Charcoal grills and campfires are not allowed, except for dwellings with fireplaces or wood-burning stoves equipped with proper screens. Fireworks are never permitted.
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