France Canyon fire now partially contained as more resources and crew arrive

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — The fire in France Canyon within Dixie National Forest is now 5% contained as additional resources and crews arrived on scene and Thursday brought favorable conditions for firefighters.

Despite favorable conditions and partial containment, the fire grew another 1,000 acres to a total size of 7,650 acres as of Thursday. 519 personnel are now working on containing the fire.

Red Flag warnings began at noon and will last through Saturday. The fire area will continue to be sunny with wind gusts up to 30mph from the southwest, and relative humidity will drop to 9%.

The fire was first reported 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. On Wednesday, it was reported to be 6,590 acres in size.

“Fire behavior today moderated compared to the previous days as winds shifted and allowed firefighters a reprieve to go direct in some areas and accomplish key firing operations,” the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) said in its daily update.

Resources remain in place alongside the southern edge of the fire so that crews may improve the existing line to protect the Bryce Woodlands community. Fire engines are remaining in Bryce Woodlands to protect structures in case the fire moves south.

A successful firing operation was completed on the eastern edge of the fire, which will provide additional security against further eastern movement.

USFS also explained what the term “firing operation”, also referred to as a backburn or burnout, means. Normally, crews will apply fire to the landscape to consume vegetation “between the fire front and a holding feature such as a road.” This technique is highly effective in preventing the front of a fire from moving through an area uncontrollably, and it can stop the forward progression of the wildfire.

On the western edge, crews looked for opportunities to directly fight the fire in “rough, steep terrain characterized by cliff bands and roadless areas.” On the northern edge of the fire, crews are attempting to establish a direct line by digging with dozers.

Smoke may continue to affect the areas of Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, and other surrounding areas.

Wednesday’s area closures remain in place.