Firefighters battling the Cottonwood Fire made significant progress Sunday, bringing the fire to 40% containment.
The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 reports the fire has now burned 131,259 acres. Crews took advantage of calmer winds to strengthen containment lines and improve mapping accuracy using aerial observations.
Fire activity remains concentrated near Jeffrey Reservoir, where thick stands of red cedar continue to hold heat. Firefighters worked alongside Nebraska and Iowa National Guard Black Hawk helicopters to drop water in that area.
Today, crews are focusing on the north side of the fire, working active areas while continuing to patrol, mop up hot spots, and reinforce firelines across the perimeter.
Officials warn fire activity could increase as a Red Flag Warning takes effect, with northwest winds expected to reach up to 50 miles per hour and temperatures climbing into the 70s.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the fire area. Unauthorized aircraft, including drones, are not allowed.