HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The cause of the Cottonwood Fire over the weekend appears to be a brush pile that was not maintained.
Hutchinson Fire Marshal Mike Cain and outside agencies worked together to determine the cause.
The fire is now at 85% containment. Fire crews continue to make great progress at controlling hot spots and burning trees.
The recent snow fall has helped in these efforts and if all goes well, the fire should reach full containment sometime between Thursday and Saturday. Flight restrictions have been lifted in the area.
For those wanting to assist, monetary donations for those affected can be made by calling 211, mailed to the United Way office, 924 North Main, Hutchinson or by going online to the United Way website.
Hutchinson Fire also thanked the community for their donation of food, water and snacks. Those donations have helped firefighters to be able to keep working through the multiple day fire.