MIMBRES, NM; May 11, 2016 - For Immediate Release - Activity has increased on the McKenna Fire with the warm, dry weather pattern in place over the region. Due to continued growth on the fire, firefighters rode into the Gila Wilderness on horseback Tuesday to install structure protection (a sprinkler system) around the White Creek Cabin which is located northwest of the fire.

On Wednesday, personnel on the incident reported three to five-foot flame lengths with occasional torching as the fire moved southwest into Horse Springs. Acreage burned remains at 1,900 acres until the fire is mapped again. The McKenna Fire was first spotted May 6, eight miles west of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Lingering smoke was reported from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Wednesday morning. For people concerned about the smoke, New Mexico Department of Public Health has a website that recommends actions people can take if visibility decreases due to smoke from wildfires and prescribed fires, https://nmtracking.org/fire

Fire officials have identified an area where the McKenna Fire will be managed as long as it continues to meet the objectives set forth for the incident. These objectives include removing hazardous fuels, reducing the exposure to firefighters and clearing ladder fuels that can carry the fire into the tops of trees. As the fire progresses, measures will be taken G