France Canyon wildfire threatens Bryce Woodlands, grows another 2,000 acres in size

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — Despite continued suppression efforts, the fire burning in France Canyon within Dixie National Forest has continued to grow and spread, adding nearly 2,000 more acres, for a total size of 6,590 acres. It is now threatening Bryce Woodlands.

The fire was first reported a week ago on June 11, and it was initially recorded at 150 acres. By Monday, it expanded to 2,159 acres, and as of Tuesday, it had nearly doubled in size, to over 4,700 acres.

The fire began 6.5 miles southeast of Hatch, UT in the Powell Ranger District of Dixie National Forest. The most impacted areas initially were Blubber Creek, Badger Creek, Proctor, and Skunk Creek.

The U.S. Forest Service reported that suppression efforts continued Wednesday along the southwest flank of the fire near Bryce Woodlands. They worked to establish an anchor point on the southwest perimeter, but the fire is still 0% contained.

Resources are currently focusing on securing the southern edge of the fire to protect nearby communities. Bryce Woodlands is currently at risk, and it is on alert in the event of fire growth.

Smoke from Paunsaugunt Plateau is expected to continue to impact Bryce Canyon National Park and Bryce Canyon City area.

Crews have been able to keep the fire west of the East Fork Road, and fire behavior was expected to increase on the northern and eastern parts of the fire as winds shifted out of the southwest Wednesday.

According to USFS, the fire is burning in “very dry and receptive fuels in difficult terrain.” Access is limited in areas, but reportedly, firefighters have had success in accessing large portions of the fire.

“Dozers have been utilized to create a fuel break in anticipation for shifting winds. When conditions are favorable, firefighters may utilize fire operations to accelerate the timeline to containment,” USFS said in their daily update on the fire Wednesday.

More than double the amount of personnel are working on the fire when compared to Tuesday: from 180 personnel Tuesday to 392 personnel Wednesday. Additional crews are expected to arrive in the next few days.

Weather is expected to remain hot, dry, and windy. Over 62,000 gallons of water were dropped from the air on the fire Tuesday, and over 100,000 gallons of fire retardant were dropped as well.

The following areas are closed, per the USFS: All National Forest System lands south of Utah State Route 12, on the Powell Ranger District, with the exception of the trails and campgrounds (Red Canyon Campground, Coyote Hollow Equestrian Campground, Red Canyon Bike Trail #33016, Castle Bridge Trail #33096, Golden Wall Trail #33095, Thunder Mountain Trail #33098, and Forest Road 113) in Red Canyon.