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Published: 09 May 2016 09 May 2016

MIMBRES, NM; May 9, 2016 - Wilderness District fire managers estimate the McKenna Fire has grown to 1,900 acres since it was first reported Friday, May 7 in the Gila Wilderness. The fire is located about eight miles west of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

The McKenna Fire is being managed for multiple objectives that will help reduce exposure to firefighters, remove hazardous fuels and decrease the probability for high severity wildfires in the future. Officials say this fire could continue for several weeks depending on current and forecast weather, fuels and terrain.

Managing a long-duration incident such as the McKenna Fire requires long-term planning. Fire officials have identified an area where they plan to manage the fire. Within this area they will take actions as necessary as the fire progresses and before it fire reaches specific locations. Some focus areas are cabins to the north and northwest of the fire, the middle fork of the Gila River and Trail 28 near the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Another concern that fire managers are addressing is potential smoke impacts to visitors and the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. To track smoke production, smoke monitoring equipment will be installed near the monument. The Gila Cliff Dwellings remain open.

The fire continues to spread through the grass and ponderosa pine at a low to moderate pace with six inch to one-foot flame lengths. The forecast shows warmer temperatures and decreasing winds over the next few days.
Updates will be posted on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4716 /. For more information contact Punky Moore, Public Affairs Officer, 575-388-8211.