France Canyon Fire surpasses 33,000 acres, 29% contained

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — The France Canyon Fire has surpassed 33,000 acres and is nearly 30% contained as of Monday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

All tactical firing operations were reportedly completed on Sunday. Today, June 30, crews will be working to monitor for areas of interior heat, as well as conducting mop-up and strengthening the fire line to increase containment along the west, north, and east flanks.

Mop-up has been completed around the Hillsdale community and Kings Creek Campground, officials said. Crews are reportedly removing hose from the area.

Sunday’s operations were completed north of the 003 Road and Badger Creek. Unburned fuel southwest of the reservoir was reportedly re-evaluated and it was determined there is no threat of this fire burning through the Little Bear Fire scar. Repair efforts continue along the southern containment edge along with reseeding by the Resource Advisor.

Overnight shifts are now complete. Moving forward, crews only be working during the day.

“Please be aware that fire personnel and equipment will be traveling on highways and roads near town and throughout the area,” Forest Service officials stated.

There will reportedly be increasing cloud cover throughout the day, with the potential for increased outflow winds up to 35 mph late in the day. Highs will be in the mid to upper 80s with daytime relative humidity between 9-13%. Winds will reportedly be between 5-8 mph from the west and southwest during most of the day.

The forecast continues to change tomorrow, as a monsoonal surge settles in the region. Chances of wetting rains stay low, between 5-10% for 0.10 inches of rain over a 48-hour period. Dry thunderstorm chances range from 20-30% with little to no expected precipitation.

All state lands and all unincorporated lands are under 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 under this restriction.

The following forest and road closures are in effect, according to the U.S. Forest Service:

“State Route 12 and Highway 89 remain open. Bryce Canyon National Park remains open. Closure Order #04-03-24-317 is in effect from Monday June 16, 2025 through July 31, 2025 or until rescinded.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.”

No further information is available at this time.