Single Publication

Start date – 08/20/2023                          Size – 39 Acres       Containment – 10%    

Firefighters working to suppress the McKinney Fire

Santa Fe, NM (8/24/23) – The 40-acre Mckinney Fire started August, 20, within 15 miles North of Jemez Spring, NM. The fire is burning in remote terrain and due to its location, fire managers are developing a plan to manage the fire in a full suppression Strategy, by creating containment lines utilizing hand crews.

Containment efforts on the East flank have been a challenge due to steep and inaccessible terrain.

Fire is burning in the area with no fire history or fuels treatment. As with all incidents, firefighter and public safety remains the highest priority over all other incident objectives. While managing this incident, resources are expected to utilize deliberate risk management processes to ensure they are committed to successful operations under conditions where important values at risk are protected with the least exposure necessary.

A strategic plan is in place to ensure resources limit activities that may disturb eco-sensitive areas, sensitive cultural sites, along with threatened and endangered species and their habitats. Fire personnel are taking proactive measures during any fire management activities to protect water quality.

Weather over the fire will show an increase in moisture Wednesday evening and will lead to a greater chance for wetting convection as well as cooler daytime temperatures.  Thunderstorm development across the fire area with potential downdrafts and lightning is a concern.

Smoke may be more or less visible in the area as active smoldering takes place. Variations in temperatures, humidity & fire activity will impact smoke conditions in the coming days. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Fire Information –

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/nmsnf-mckinney-fire

New Mexico Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/  

Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/