Firefighters responding to McKinney Fire

SANTA FE, NM, Aug. 21, 2023 – Firefighters are responding to the McKinney Fire about 9 miles north of Jemez Springs on the Santa Fe National Forest. It is estimated at 40-50 acres. The wildfire is being managed with a full suppression response.

The McKinney Fire was caused by lightning and reported Sunday, Aug. 20. A Valles Caldera National Park crew and two Santa Fe National Forest engines were assisted by a helicopter dropping water while an air tanker from Grand Junction provided two retardant drops. Ground resources worked late into Sunday night. Currently, there are no structures threatened by the fire. About 50 US Forest Service and National Park Service firefighters are assigned to the incident.  

Fire behavior was very active Sunday afternoon and smoke was visible across Northern New Mexico. Fire managers expect similar fire behavior and smoke over the next several days. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/

This is an emerging incident, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Please check the Santa Fe National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/santafe, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF/ and NM Fire Info: NM Fire Info | New Mexico Fire Information.