Slow progress seen on Utah fire that has burned structures
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah wildfire that has burned 90 structures and forced the evacuation of more than 1,100 people in a mountain area near a popular fishing reservoir was growing Friday but officials said they hope to increase containment soon.
The fire has burned about 75 square miles (193 square kilometers), according to information from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
A 35-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 40 has been closed since Wednesday, said Sonya Capek, a fire spokeswoman.
The blaze has chewed through dry vegetation in an area about 80 miles (130 kilometers) southeast of Salt Lake City. It's only 4 percent contained, but Capek said crews were optimistic that figure would rise after Friday's work.