The cause of last Saturday's 12,000-acre Cottonwood Complex fire east of Hutchinson has been determined; the fire started from a burning brush pile left unattended.
The fire has now been 85% contained. Crews are working to control hots spots burning in trees; recent snowfall has helped with the progress.
The Hutchinson Fire Department anticipates having the fire contained to 100% sometime between Thursday and Saturday.
One man died in the fire, which also destroyed nearly three dozen homes, more than 90 outbuildings, and 110 vehicles.
