June 19, 2025 — Panguitch, UT
Fire behavior today moderated compared to the previous day as winds shifted and allowed firefighters a reprieve to go direct in some areas and accomplish key firing operations. With such favorable conditions, fire personnel achieved some containment, which currently rests at 5%. More resources arrived on scene today, bringing the total personnel numbers to 519. Total acreage is now 7,650.
Crews completed a successful firing operation along the eastern edge of the fire, providing more security against further movement of the fire east. Firing operations normally entail applying fire to the landscape to consume the vegetation between the fire front and a holding feature such as a road. This tactic is often referred to as a backburn or burnout. When firefighters apply fire in this way, the intensity can be controlled and utilized to stop the forward progression of the wildfire.
Fire resources along the southern lines remain in place to buffer any movement to the south, holding and improving existing line to protect the community of Bryce Woodlands. On the western edge, resources scouted for opportunities to go direct in rough, steep terrain characterized by cliff bands and roadless areas. On the northern edge, other crews working with dozers were successful digging direct line, which they hope to hold through the coming Red Flag weather events. A complement of engines remains in the community of Bryce Woodlands to provide structure protection in the event the fire moves south. Air resources were assisting on all fronts, scouting, communicating hot spots, and providing bucket water drops where firefighters needed support.
Smoke may continue to be an issue in the areas of Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, and surrounding areas. Fire managers and their crews worked tirelessly all day to prepare for the upcoming Red Flag weather events and are very pleased with the work that was accomplished on the eastern and southern edges of the fire.
Current resources on the incident include 14 crews, 11 engines, along with 6 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft available for retardant when needed. Additional crews are on order and should be showing up in the next couple of days.
Weather: Red Flag warnings will be in effect starting today at 12 PM and lasting through Saturday. Sunny conditions will remain in place over the fire area, with wind gusts up to 30 MPH out of the southwest and relative humidity dropping to 9%.
Closure: All National Forest System lands south of Utah State Route 12, on the Powell Ranger District, are closed, with the exception of trails and campgrounds in Red Canyon including: Red Canyon Campground, Coyote Hollow Equestrian Campground, Red Canyon Bike Trail #33016, Castle Bridge Trail #33096, Golden Wall Trail #33095, Thunder Mountain Trail #33098, and Forest Road 113. The East Fork Road (087) remains closed.
For the latest updates, visit the Dixie National Forest alerts page, France Canyon Inciweb page, or follow Dixie National Forest on Facebook.
