MIMBRES, NM; May 18, 2016 - Steady precipitation has fallen on the McKenna Fire in the past 12 hours keeping the size to 9,050 acres. There is minimal activity on the southwest of the fire near Johnson Canyon in the Gila Wilderness. The fire started by lightning May 6.

Fire crews will continue to monitor the fire with minimal staffing and aviation. While fire activity has slowed for now, when dry, windy conditions return to the region, activity is expected to increase. Smoke monitoring equipment is installed at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

There have been a few reports of smoke at the Cliff Dwellings and also around the Cliff area.
The fire is being managed to reduce hazardous fuels, remove forest debris and restore natural fire to the ecosystem. GǣThis fire is a great opportunity to maintain wilderness character and values as it has spread in a low to moderate rate through the ponderosa pine forest,Gǥ said Rachelle Huddleston-Lorton, Wilderness District Ranger.

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.