Planned power outages coming as the France Canyon Fire passes 25k acres

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — Homes across Garfield County will be without power amid Utah’s largest active fire.

According to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service, Garkane Energy has a scheduled outage that will coincide with planned firing operations on Wednesday, June 25, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. The outage will stretch to residents in Hatch, Duck Creek, Cedar Mountain, Patstown, and the surrounding Panguitch area; however, Panguitch proper will be unaffected.

France Canyon Fire reaches 25k acres (Courtesy: USFS)

The fire reached 25,550 acres Tuesday, with 10% containment. Officials are reporting 753 personnel are currently working the fire.

Fire crews say they were unable to complete firing operations on the southwest side of the fire due to “unfavorable weather conditions.” Instead, crews focused on strengthening existing fire lines on the north side.

All private and state lands within Washington, Kane, and Garfield Counties as well as Bryce Canyon National Park remain in a Stage 1 fire restriction. The restriction prohibits open fires, smoking, fireworks, welding, and operating motorcycles or ATVs.

Weather conditions signify warm temperatures with winds from the southwest reaching speeds of 15 miles per hour.

Fire crews have maintained SR-12 and Highway 89 open. Bryce Canyon National Park also remains open. However, the majority of National Forest System lands south of SR-12 will be closed through July 31.