France Canyon Fire grows to 32,500 acres, but containment improves, Forest Service says

All state and unincorporated private lands were under a stage one fire restriction, the Forest Service said. Additionally, all lands in Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest, Color Country BLM District and the Paria River BLM District were under the same restriction.

A closure order for some roads and national forests remained in effect and was scheduled until July 31, although Bryce Canyon National Park remains open.

The closure “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,” the Forest Service said.

The press release said the Forest Service expects the weather to stay dry into next week, with a chance of dry thunderstorms. It said people can find information on air quality impacts from airnow.gov.

The Forest Service also urged caution on nearby roads, as “fire personnel and equipment will be traveling on highways and roads near town and throughout the area.”