Firefighters continue making progress on both the Cottonwood and Morrill Fires, with no significant growth reported Tuesday despite strong winds across the region.
The Cottonwood Fire remains at 131,259 acres and 40% contained, while the Morrill Fire continues at more than 572,000 acres and 18% contained.
Officials say gusty conditions developed as expected Tuesday, but fire activity on both incidents stayed within established perimeters. Crews reported active fire behavior, but no breaches of containment lines.
Firefighters across both incidents continue working together on suppression efforts, constructing fireline directly along the fire’s edge and extinguishing hot spots as they move around each perimeter. Structure protection resources remain in place, and both fires are staffed overnight.
On the Cottonwood Fire, the most active conditions were seen Tuesday afternoon in the southeastern portion of the fire. Despite a couple of hours of strong winds, crews confirmed the fire remained within containment lines. In more rugged areas to the northwest, hand crews are working on foot to access hotspots and continue line construction.
Meanwhile, crews on the Morrill Fire continue strengthening containment lines and addressing lingering heat in areas with heavier vegetation.
Fire managers say resources assigned to both fires are also ready to respond quickly to any new fire starts in the area.
Looking ahead, conditions remain a concern. A Red Flag Warning is in effect Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain Time, with hot, dry, and windy weather expected. Officials warn that unburned vegetation within fire perimeters could still ignite, and any new fires could spread rapidly.
Residents dealing with smoke are encouraged to monitor air quality through the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and take steps to limit exposure.