France Canyon fire crosses 27k acres, planned power outages until 8 p.m.

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — The France Canyon Fire, currently Utah’s largest wildfire, is burning 27,015 acres and is at 15% containment.

Planned power outages are currently in place until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, according to Garkane Energy.

On Tuesday, June 24, fire crews worked on holding off the fire north of the Bryce Woodland community, according to latest press release from the U.S. Forest Service- Dixie National Forest.

To the north, crews used heavy equipment to hold the fire from spreading using tactical firing operations. To the east of the fire perimeter, Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) will be flying to scout the areas firefighters cannot reach on foot and assist with tactical firing to divert the fire’s edge west of East Fork Road and tie it into the southern perimeter.

Currently, all unincorporated private and all state lands within Washington, Kane, and Garfield Counties are in a Stage 1 Fire Restriction. This also includes all lands within the boundaries of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Under the fire restrictions, the public is prohibited from having any open fires of any kind except for within established public facilities in campgrounds and picnic areas or in permanently constructed fire pits.

Officials are asking visitors in the area to be aware of fire personnel and equipment traveling on highways and roads near town and throughout the area. Crews also request that travelers give them plenty of space to maneuver.

Officials advise visitors to use extra caution while walking or driving in the area as there are traffic control measures in place.

Bryce Canyon National Park, State Route 12 and Highway 89 remain open at this time.