Grass Fire Forces Evacuation of RV Park Near Capitan

10-acre blaze prompts road closures and smoke warnings for nearby residents

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A grass fire that started just after 2:30 pm on Monday near Mile Marker 86 on US Highway 380 in Capitan, New Mexico has consumed 10 acres, leading to the evacuation of the Hailey Hill RV Park and the closure of US Highway 70 at Mile Marker 86. Firefighters from multiple agencies are responding to the blaze, which is burning through grass, pinon, and juniper.

Why it matters

Grass fires are a common occurrence in the Southwest, especially during dry and windy conditions, and can quickly spread and threaten nearby structures and communities. The evacuation of the RV park and road closures highlight the need for swift emergency response and preparedness in these types of situations.

The details

The fire started just after 2:30 pm on Monday and has so far consumed 10 acres near Mile Marker 86 on US Highway 380. The Hailey Hill RV Park has been evacuated, and US Highway 70 is closed at Mile Marker 86. Firefighters from the Capitan Fire Department, Lincoln Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, State Forestry, and the Office of Emergency Services are all responding to the blaze, which is burning through grass, pinon, and juniper.

  • The fire started just after 2:30 pm on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • As of 3:05 pm, the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services reported that forward progress on the fire had been stopped.

The players

Capitan Fire Department

The local fire department responding to the grass fire.

Lincoln Fire

A fire department from the surrounding Lincoln County area assisting with the response.

U.S. Forest Service

A federal agency providing resources and personnel to help fight the fire.

State Forestry

The state-level forestry agency involved in the firefighting efforts.

Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services

The local emergency management agency coordinating the response and providing updates.

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The takeaway

This grass fire highlights the ongoing risk of wildfires in the Southwest, especially during dry and windy conditions. The swift evacuation of the RV park and road closures demonstrate the importance of emergency preparedness and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to respond effectively to these types of fast-moving natural disasters.