Fire crews work on a fire line at the France Canyon fire suppression effort this week. Photo: U.S. Forest Service

SOUTHERN UTAH — Firefighters battling two major wildfires near Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are making steady progress, though unpredictable monsoonal weather continues to pose challenges. The France Canyon Fire, now at 33,364 acres, is 66% contained, while the nearby Forsyth Fire has burned 13,566 acres with 43% containment.

France Canyon Fire: Suppression Efforts Continue, Rain Possible

Near Bryce Canyon, the France Canyon Fire saw continued success on Thursday as crews focused on mop-up operations and suppression repair, particularly around Blubber Creek and Skunk Creek, an official update said. The northwest corner between Johnson Canyon and Proctor Canyon is now contained.

A map screenshot from WatchDuty showing the location and size of the two major wildfires burning near Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. (WatchDuty)

With wet and dry thunderstorms in the area, crews remain alert for flash flooding, lightning, and gusty winds. Thunderstorms are expected again today, with a chance for wetting rain (over 0.1 inch), which could help, but might also bring new lightning ignitions or drive fire spread depending on slope and wind alignment.

Forsyth Fire: Drone Operations and Dozer Line Repair Underway

To the southwest near Zion National Park, the Forsyth Fire also gained new containment on its northern perimeter. Scattered heat remains near Forsyth Creek, and firefighters are deploying drones—Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)—to manage fuels and reduce flare-ups along the fire’s eastern edge.

Ground crews are working around Oak Grove Campground, Browse Guard Station, and New Harmony, using chipping equipment and other strategies to protect key infrastructure. Repairs have begun on dozer lines near the fire’s northern tip.

Smoke from the Forsyth Fire. (U.S. Forest Service)

Officials are closely monitoring shifting weather patterns. Isolated storms and dry lightning remain a concern, with wind gusts of up to 25 mph expected on ridge tops. Although temperatures are cooling and moisture is increasing, fire activity remains possible even in green vegetation.

Evacuations and Holiday Awareness

The Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Gray’s Ranch communities remain under “Set” level evacuation orders, meaning residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. The nearby community of Pinto is in “Ready” status, advised to stay alert.

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, fire managers are urging the public to be especially cautious and respectful of closure areas. Motorists and visitors should be aware of firefighting activity near public lands and avoid obstructing crews or equipment.

Both fires are being managed through coordinated efforts between the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and local agencies. Officials say safety remains the top priority as suppression and rehabilitation efforts continue.