DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, Utah, July 5, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) -- The France Canyon Fire is now 84% contained.
The fire now stands at 34,932 acres, and has 222 personnel assigned.
"Today, the local Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire," says a Saturday notice from Dixie National Forest.
"Firefighters continue to make progress on the remaining uncontained portions of the fire. Fire managers anticipate this containment will slowly increase over the next few shifts.
"Despite minimized smoke and decreased visible fire activity, there are still many pockets of interior heat. Fire crews continue to see torching trees and active burning heavy fuels within the current perimeter.
"While not a threat to the containment, it still poses a threat to the public. Firefighters are patrolling heat identified on the infrared flights, and mopping up as needed to reinforce the perimeter."
A timber crew is assigned to falling the hazardous trees across the fire area, the update says.
"This accompanies the suppression repair work other firefighters are completing across the fire’s edge. Heavy equipment, including dozers and masticators are being used in the northeast portion of the fire for rehabilitation.
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been brought in to work with the Incident Management Team.
"These experts identify areas of high impact to help prevent further issues such as flooding and erosion," the update says. "They will work alongside firefighters in the areas most affected by the fire.
"Due to the continued fire activity and presence of firefighting equipment, the Forest Closure remains in place." The closure will remain in place until there is no longer a threat to public or firefighter safety, the notice said.
"With the current interior fire activity and heavy equipment in the area, please respect the closure."
