PANGUITCH, Utah (KUTV) — The France Canyon Fire, burning in Garfield County, has reached 7,650 acres.

Fire behavior remained moderate on Thursday, compared to the last several days. Winds shifted, which allowed fire crews to directly access areas they previously could not.

"With such favorable conditions, fire personnel achieved some containment, which currently rests at 5%," the U.S. Forest Service said.

Crews completed a successful "firing operation," providing more security against further movement on the eastern edge of the fire.

According to the Forest Service, 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," often referred to as a "backburn" or "burnout."

"This is a highly effective way of preventing the flaming a front of a fire from moving through an area uncontrollably," the Forest Service said. "When firefighters apply fire in this way, the intensity can be controlled and utilized to stop the forward progression of the wildfire."

Fire resources remain in place along the southern edge of the flames. On the western edge, resources "scouted for opportunities to go direct in rough, steep terrain," the Forest Service said.

On the northern edge, crews worked with dozers to dig a direct line, hoping it would hold through anticipated Red Flag weather events.

Additionally, air resources assisted by scouting, communicating hot spots, and providing bucket water drops where firefighters needed support.

The Forest Service said smoke may continue to be an issue in the areas of Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, and surrounding areas.

A Red Flag warning went into effect at 12 p.m. on Thursday and will last through Saturday.

Closures: 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, 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) in Red Canyon. The East Fork road (087) remains closed.

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