Southern Utah wildfire 45 percent contained

ESCALANTE, Garfield County — A wildfire burning near here is closer to being contained.

Firefighters said the Corn Creek fire is 45 percent contained, at a size of about 2,250 acres. The fire is burning about 11 miles west of Escalante in timber and grazing areas.

Crews have been able to build a line in the Cherry Creek drainage and will continue to work on the south end of the fire. The north side of the blaze is already in mop-up stages. The fire has already cost more than $1 million to fight, but resources have been available because there are not any other wildfires burning in the area right now.

Road closures remain in effect around the area.

The fire was started Sunday by a vehicle fire. It is Utah's first wildfire of the season.