A landowner’s vehicle is being blamed for accidentally sparking the Cottonwood Gulch Fire over the weekend.

The determination came after an investigation by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, which added in a press release Wednesday afternoon that no criminal charges were requested through the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office.

On Wednesday morning, the fire, which is burning north of Manhattan, was estimated at 8,300 acres and 80 percent containment. It has burned one outbuilding.

The fire began at around 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.

According to a press release from the Gallatin Media Center:

Crews will be continuing mop-up operations today assisted by one helicopter for bucket drops where needed. Smoke may be visible from unburned islands of fuel inside the fire line. Most resources will be released from the fire today and the fire will be in patrol status starting tomorrow. Four to five engine crews will be patrolling the fire on Thursday and Friday.

Cooperating Agencies: Bridger Canyon Fire, Fort Ellis Fire, Central Valley Fire, Bozeman Fire, Manhattan Fire, Rae and Sourdough Fire, Gallatin Gateway Fire, Amsterdam Fire, Clarkston Fire, Three Forks Fire, Gallatin River Ranch Fire, Willow Creek Fire, Gallatin County 911, Gallatin County Road and Bridge Department, Gallatin County Emergency Management, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County GIS, Gallatin County Search and Rescue, DNRC, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Helena National Forest, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Here is a map that was released by the Gallatin Media Center on Wednesday:

Cottonwood-Fire-Map-1024x745
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