Cottonwood Gulch Fire – Latest Info

Here is the latest on the Cottonwood Gulch Fire:

Cause: Human-caused, under investigation

Size: 8,300 acres (acreage reduced due to more accurate mapping)

Containment: 15%

People Assigned to the Fire: 96

Resources Assigned to the Fire: 5 helicopters (1 helicopter was released from the fire to respond to a new ignition in Beaverhead County this afternoon), 15 engines, 3 water tenders, 1 20-person hand crew

Injuries Reported: 0

Residences Currently Threatened: 20

Structures Burned: 1 outbuilding

Although temperatures remained in the 70s on Monday, winds were light. The light winds made it possible for crews to make good progress securing the perimeter using bucket drops from helicopters on hot spots. Fire behavior included interior unburned islands of fuel, single tree torching, creeping, and smoldering.

Planned Activities for Tuesday: Crews will continue to secure line and mop-up the perimeter of the fire. Burn-out operations to reinforce existing control lines may continue tomorrow which will produce smoke intermittently throughout the day. Interior unburned islands of fuel may also produce smoke, particularly during the hottest part of the day.