Cottonwood Gulch Fire Update 9:15am

The fire burned actively until 4:00 AM this morning which resulted in the fire growing to about 8,700 acres as of 09:00. Crews worked overnight to secure lines where they could work safely.

Today crews will be working on securing more line particularly near structures at risk. Four DNRC helicopters will be assisting crews with bucket drops.

The fire is currently 0% contained and forecasted weather is for calm winds this morning increasing to 10-15 mph this afternoon.

Crews will be working throughout the fire area and the public is encouraged to stay off the roads used to access the fire.

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Fire crews are still working on the Cottonwood Gulch Fire burning North of Manhattan in the Horseshoe Hills. The fires is now estimated at 8500 acres in size. After battling the blaze last night, more fire resources have been ordered to replace them on Monday.

Fire officials are asking that people please stay away from the fire area.  While it is interesting to come see what is happening, this is highly discouraged as it adds traffic to these small roads and can impede the fire personnel trying to do their jobs.  It is not uncommon for curiosity to get someone into a place they shouldn’t be and they now become part of the emergency.  Please help the firefighters by staying out of the area.

The cause of the Cottonwood Gulch has been determined to be human caused and it is currently under investigation.

 

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