News Release

For Release: Wednesday, August 9, 2006, 7:00 a.m.

Contacts: Debbie Santiago, BLM (661) 332-1754 cell (661) 391-6097 office
Margie Clack, USFS (760) 379-5646 ext. 512 (760) 417-1971 celll

Cottonwood Fire Contained!

The Cottonwood wildland fire, burning west of Kelso Valley Road and east of Jawbone Canyon Road, did not have a chance as engines, crews, helicopters and air tankers worked hard this week to reach 100% containment last night at 6 p.m. On the first day, the fire reared its head showing extreme fire behavior and burned furiously through the dry grass and up the steep, rocky terrain of Sorrell Peak in the Piute Mountains. Final acreage burned is at 2,346 acres. A total of 601 personnel remain on scene, but crews are being demobilization beginning today. No night shift is expected tonight. Some smoke can still be seen inside the deep perimeter of the fire.

Fire managers from the BLM California Desert District plan to continue working portions of the fire through this weekend to ensure the fire does not flare up again.

Today, fire engines and crews are mopping-up, reinforcing the fire line and watching for any lingering hot spots. Very little fire activity was observed last night.

Resources committed to the fire -- 20 fire engines, 20 Type I and II hand crews, 2 dozers, 10 water tenders, and 2 helicopters. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Nationally, 424 wildland fires were reported yesterday, with 23 new large fires. Residents are urged to be alert as fire conditions remain dry with extreme fire danger.

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