Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer says crews have been working along a 26-mile perimeter surrounding the Cottonwood Complex wildfire in eastern Reno County. He told reporters that the fire is 95 percent contained, and officials are waiting to see the impact of a winter storm that will bring snow to the area into Friday morning.
Beer said crews are working to deal with flare-ups caused by heavy timber, and they will continue working on hot spots over the next few days. He said in some areas they have found tires that were burning. Crews will continue working around the clock to keep the fire contained.
The fire caused one death, 45-year-old Chadwick Penner, and it destroyed 36 homes and more than 90 outbuildings, as well as more than 110 vehicles. Beer said he has talked with families who have lost everything to the fire, and there are people sifting through the ashes to find items they can tie back to their homes and families. He said donations can be made to United Way of Reno County, and people continue to need help after the fire.
Beer displayed a map of the fire area, seen above, during a news briefing Thursday morning.
