Cottonwood Fire Morning Update, 10-18-2016

Wall, S.D. - The Cottonwood fire erupted on Sunday October 16 and moved quickly across private and federal grassland pushed by high winds. The area was under a Red Flag Warning for high winds, low relative humidity, and high temperatures at the time the fire started. At around 6 pm Sunday evening, command of the fire was transferred to the Pennington County Type 3 Incident Management Team (PCIMT3). The fire is under unified command. Brian Daunt of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, Wall Fire Chief John Kitterman, and Jackson County Emergency Manager Josh Nisen are Incident Commanders of the Cottonwood Fire.

As of 10:00 am MDT this morning, the fire remains at an estimated 31,000 acres. A portion of the fire perimeter was GPS mapped yesterday. That operation continues this morning. GPS mapping of the fire perimeter may result in a change in acreage. 

The red lines on this map represent fire perimeter that was GPS mapped. The blue line represents estimated fire perimeter that will be GPS mapped today.

The fire is currently 75% contained. The PCIMT3 anticipates 100% containment of the Cottonwood Fire by the end of the shift today at 6:00 pm MDT. Crews will be working throughout the day to increase containment lines and reinforce existing containment lines.

During yesterday's day shift, firefighters were able to assess damaged and destroyed structured within the fire perimeter. During this evaluation, it was determined that no primary residences- homes that are the main dwelling for an individual or family- were destroyed in the fire. An exact number of cabins, outbuildings, and other structures destroyed will continue to be determined today. Several structures remain threatened. The completion of mop-up operations around those structures will be an emphasis of firefighters today.

The Jackson County Sheriffs Office received confirmed reports of 137 cattle killed by the Cottonwood Fire. Several area ranchers report that they have additional animals injured as a result of the fire that will require evaluation by a veterinarian. Additional livestock losses are possible as a result and the number of livestock killed may rise over the coming days and weeks.

There are no road closures in effect. Additionally, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site opened for regular business this morning. There will continue to be emergency vehicle traffic in the area and motorists are advised to be alert and use caution.

The PCIMT3 is working to bring the Cottonwood Fire to a close. There are approximately 75 personnel on the fire today, down from 100 yesterday. PCIMT3 members will be working with local government agencies and local fire chiefs to determine a plan for transition from PCIMT3 management of the incident back to local management of the fire. 

The next update for the Cottonwood Fire is scheduled for 8:00 pm MDT. The 8:00 pm update is the final anticipated update on the Cottonwood Fire from the PCIMT3.

Media members seeking comment or clarification related to this release should contact Incident Information Officer Jim Bussell at (605)-863-0061.

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