Cottonwood and Morrill Fires Update
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident...//nenes-morrill-fire
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incide.../nenes-cottonwood-fire
The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) is managing the Morrill and Cottonwood Fire under the direction of the State.
Special Notes: Fire managers subdivide the fire perimeter on large complex fires into branches and divisions to ensure effective management and safer operations. These are displayed on the accompanying fire maps. Note that branch numbers and division letters don’t always run sequentially to allow for expansion of additional branches/divisions if the fire grows.
Current Situation: Yesterday firefighters took advantage of the break in the wind to make significant gains in containment. The Cottonwood Fire was mapped from the air yesterday allowing for a more accurate mapped perimeter. Firefighters continue to ground-truth estimated perimeters to increase mapping accuracy on both fires. Strong winds forecast today will likely keep aircraft grounded. An initial attack group is in place to quickly respond to any new starts. Night crews will continue patrolling both fires.
Cottonwood Fire – 131,259 acres, 40% contained
Yesterday firefighters on the ground coordinated with Nebraska and Iowa National Guard Black Hawk helicopters making bucket drops to check fire activity around Jeffrey Reservoir in Division A, where thick stands of red cedar are holding heat. Today firefighters will continue to work areas of active fire on the north side while patrolling, mopping up, and strengthening firelines throughout the perimeter.
Morrill Fire –572,084 acres, 18% contained
Yesterday local volunteer firefighting crews completed the containment line on the southwest side of the fire in Division TT. Today crews will continue engaging areas of active fire while strengthening containment lines and mopping up. The structure protection group will work the southeast side in Division KK, where some fire remains in the cottonwood areas. Areas with cottonwoods and cattails on the north side in Divisions BB and EE continue to hold some heat. Two Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) will be available today.
Weather, Fuels, and Fire Behavior: Firefighters expect fire activity to increase today with a Red Flag Warning in effect beginning at 11 a.m. Northwest winds are expected to reach 50 m.p.h. with temperatures in the 70s.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Morrill and Cottonwood Fires. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones.
If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
Morrill Fire Statistics
Size: 572,084 acres
Containment: 18%
Total Personnel: 200
Cause: Undetermined
Cottonwood Fire Statistics
Size: 131,259 acres
Containment: 40%
Total Personnel: 216
Cause: Undetermined