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Peplin Fire in Box Elder County 85 percent contained

Posted at 10:15 AM, Jun 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-25 21:48:17-04

BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah — Crews are battling a grass fire on more than 6,000 acres in Box Elder County near Peplin Mountain.

The blaze started at about 5:30 p.m. Friday, and, though initial estimates were higher, GPS has mapped the fire at 6,468 acres.

The fire is 85 percent contained Saturday, and crews said efforts were going well and full containment is expected by Sunday.

So far the fire has caused $70,000 in damage, according to Box Elder County fire officials.

The fire was ignited when a camper’s charcoal grill tipped over, putting hot briquettes in the dry grass, officials say.

One person was injured trying to put out the flames. The victim refused transport at the time of the injury but did go to a local emergency room to be treated for burns.

Crews on scene are from Box Elder County, Park Valley, Sowville, Corrine, Thatcher Penrose, Garland and Fielding fire departments along with Utah Forestry Fire and State Lands and Bureau of Land Management.

Air support is coming out of the Salt Lake City area.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.