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Monsoonal moisture helps crews battle wildfire outside Bryce Canyon National Park

The fire has only gained about 18 acres since it was re-mapped on Friday.

(Photo courtesy of Tiff Ringwood) A helicopter works to combat the Left Fork Fire which has burned over 4,200 acres in Dixie National Park.

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The Left Fork Fire outside Bryce Canyon National Park has now burned about 4,259 acres in Dixie National Forest as of Saturday, but monsoonal moisture has helped firefighters make progress on the blaze.

The fire remains only 5% contained, but crews expect to have full containment by August 1. Officials expect more precipitation on Saturday will help with firefighting efforts.

About 50 structures remain threatened in the area, but no injuries have been reported.

Evacuations were implemented Tuesday at the nearby community of Bryce Woodlands estates, located southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park off Highway 89, but the orders have since been lifted.

The fire’s spread has “slowed significantly” along its western and northwestern flanks, officials said in a news release, but the Kanab Creek road system remains closed.

Backcountry camping is still temporarily closed in Bryce Canyon National Park along the Riggs Spring Loop, including Yovimpa Pass, Riggs Spring and Corral Hollow. The Riggs Spring Loop remains open for day hiking.