Local fire crews are working to control a fire burning East of Annabella in Sevier County near Heppler’s Pond which started Thursday.

Friday update: Firefighters have gained 100 percent containment of the Hepplers fire Friday.

397 acres burned Thursday, according to the Forest Service.

Fire crews will continue to check the area over the next few days and monitor for any hot spots.

Officials believe the fire was human caused.

—

8 p.m. Update: The Hepplers Fire is 397 acres and 50% contained.

All structures within the area have been protected and the Hepplers Pond Road is now open.

Resources have been released for the night and engines will return Friday to mop-up and secure the fire edge as needed.

—

4 p.m. update: County wide volunteer fire departments are helping out with this fire. Aurora, Sigurd, richfield, Monroe, and Elsinore.

50 to 70 acres burned in short grass and brush. Fire behavior is running and creeping.

South side of heppler fire is less active. North side is seeing uphill runs. Resources are working to knock down hot spots. Structure protection engines have a hose lay (water source) in place around a structure to the north as a precaution, according to the forest service.

—

According to Sevier County Sheriff Nate Curtis, the fire is burning mostly on Bureau of Land Management land and some private land.

Fire departments are protecting the homes near by, even though it’s not a serious threat them, according to Curtis.

The forest service has ordered air and ground support with one helicopter and two single engine air tankers in route as of Thursday afternoon.

Approximately 20-30 acres had burned by 2:30 p.m.

Officials believe the fire is human caused. A fire investigator is on scene.