The France Canyon wildfire near Panguitch, Utah, has surged to nearly 9,600 acres with only five percent containment as high winds and dry conditions fuel its expansion across rugged terrain toward Bryce Woodlands.

Fire crews, backed by bulldozers, aircraft and over 500 personnel, are reinforcing fire lines to shield communities and the national park while air tankers drop water and retardant amid red flag warnings and limited containment progress.