Lightning starts fire in Capitan Mountains, near area that caught fire after deadly plane crash

LINCOLN COUNTY, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The U.S. Forest Service Office for the Lincoln National Forest says crews are fighting a wildfire that was caused by lightning in the Capitan Mountain Wilderness.

Officials say the fire started around 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 19.

The U.S. Forest Service says that the fire is estimated to be around 101 acres in size and crews are working to map out the size as battling efforts continue.

Currently, one Type 3 helicopter, air attack, and 2 engines are assigned to the fire, and more resources have been requested. Officials say that with national fire activity having increased, overall availability of certain resources is limited. Additional support may be assigned as conditions allow, but current allocations are based on operational needs across active incidents.

Officials say there are no structures at risk from the fire.

Previously, ABC-7 reported that a fire, which was caused by a plane crash that claimed the lives of 4 individuals, had started in the Capitan Mountains back in May of 2026. The fire, later called the Seven Cabins Fire, had reached 31,870 acres before being 100% contained.