Morrill, Cottonwood fires remain 0% contained as crews continue firefighting efforts

PRESS RELEASE

The Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT1) is managing the Morrill and Cottonwood Fire under the direction of the State.

Current Situation: Yesterday the cold weather, scattered snow and higher humidity helped moderate fire behavior despite winds exceeding 50 m.p.h. This morning both fires are reporting 0% containment, although much of the perimeters on both fires showed little activity yesterday. Firefighters want to fully ensure these areas are secure before calling them contained. Structure protection resources are engaged on both fires day and night.
New resources continue to arrive and are available to provide relief to local resources. Accurate statistics on number of firefighters and other resources will be available tomorrow. Four Black Hawk helicopters will be available to support the firefighting effort today.

Cottonwood Fire – 122,144 acres
Yesterday crews engaged areas of fire activity on the north and south flanks of the fire, keeping the growth minimal despite some spot fires. Night crews kept activity in the Jeffrey Lake area in check last night. Today firefighters will patrol, mop up, and build fireline along the burned perimeter (direct fireline).

Morrill Fire –572,804 acres
The Morrill Fire grew very little yesterday. Today firefighters will build direct fireline, patrol and mop up. Weather, Fuels, and Fire Behavior: Weather is gradually warming after yesterday’s below 0 wind chill and single digit overnight temperatures. Wind gusts of up to 15 m.p.h. are expected today, and Red Flag conditions are expected tomorrow with gusts to 25 m.p.h. The area is experiencing significant drought, and fuels are cured and very receptive to fire despite moisture received on portions of the fire yesterday.

Special Notes: Firefighters appreciate the generosity of the community and are relaying that additional donations of food, water, sports drinks, snacks and hygiene supplies are not needed. Watch for opportunities to donate to established organizations that are helping people impacted by the fires. You can also show your support for firefighters through posters around town, signs supporting firefighters, and comments on our Facebook pages, all
of which are appreciated by firefighters. 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.

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.

Inciweb:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident...//nenes-morrill-fire
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incide.../nenes-cottonwood-fire