Weekend rain helps improve containment on Cherry Fire

UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Firefighters have been able to get a better handle on the Cherry Fire after heavy rain fell in the fire area on Saturday.

Officials with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest say firefighters continue to make excellent progress in containing the fire, which saw no growth on Sunday. The fire currently sits at 540 acres and is 63 percent contained after air crews were able to accurately map the fire area.

Heavy rains on Saturday has aided firefighting efforts as crews report there is minimal heat within the fire area. Crews have also found safe access points into the fire area despite the tough terrain and slick conditions due to the rain.

Officials say the drier conditions allowed crews to make it around the perimeter fire, and will continue to strengthen control and extinguish any remaining hotspots.

The right hand fork of Hobble Creek Canyon will remain closed as firefighters continue work in the area.

The cause of the Cherry Fire is under investigation.