Crews look to secure ‘large island of unburned fuel’ amid France Canyon Fire

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — While the France Canyon Fire is still mapped at over 32,000 acres with 15% containment, crews successfully completed a tactical firing operation from the south side of Proctor Canyon down to Big Hollow Road on Friday.

Today, June 28, crews will assess and work towards the tactical firing operation goals to the north of Proctor Canyon, tying that stretch into the line on the north side, according to Utah Fire Info. Mop-up around the Hillsdale community is currently ongoing.

On the east side of the blaze, crews reportedly conducted mop-up along East Fork Rd. and the north side of 003 Rd. Managers will look at conditions southwest of the reservoir for interior firing operations, as they look to secure a “large island of unburned fuel there,” officials said.

In the operational area, crews will continue to mop up sections of the line and bring those areas to full containment.

“Rehabilitation work has started along the southern containment edge with crews using heavy equipment to repair dozer and hand lines,” Utah Fire Info stated. “Night crews continue monitoring and mopping up. The structure group continues to maintain a presence in the communities and will respond as needed.”

Additionally, Utah Dept. of Natural Resources staff captured nearly 100 Bonneville cutthroat trout from Blubber Creek on Friday. These fish will reportedly be taken to a DNR fish hatchery in Fountain Green for holding.

Fire restrictions are as follows.

“All state land and all unincorporated private lands (includes Trust Lands, State Parks, & Wildlife Management Areas) are in a Stage 1 Fire Restriction. This order does not affect private lands within incorporated towns or city limits. All lands within the boundaries of Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest, Color Country BLM District and Paria River BLM District are in a Stage 1 Fire Restriction,” Utah Fire Info stated.

Officials said to be aware of fire personnel and equipment travelling on highways and roads near town and in the area. Use extra caution when travelling as there will be increased activity in the area.

Weather today, June 28, will be warm, dry, and sunny with an increase in cloud cover this afternoon.

“Winds will be from the West at 7-10 mph with areas of terrain driven winds through the canyons. Daytime relative humidities will range between 8-13% across the fire area with high temperatures in the low to mid 80s,” officials said.

Monday night into Tuesday, there will reportedly be a shift in the forecast as a monsoonal surge is expected to move into the region. Chances of wetting rains remain low, while dry thunderstorm chances are up to 30% with little to no expected precipitation.

State Route 12 and Highway 89 remain open. Bryce Canyon National Park remains open. The following closure order is in effect:

“Closure Order #04-03-24-317 is in effect from Monday June 16, 2025 through July 31, 2025 or until rescinded. This includes 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, Red Canyon Bike Trail #33016, Castle Bridge Trail #33096, Golden Wall Trail #33095, Thunder Mountain Trail #33098 and Forest Road 113 in Red Canyon. The East Fork Road (087) remains closed,” Utah Fire Info stated.

No further information is available at this time.