Forsyth Fire nears 12,000 acres, marked at 22% containment

PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — The Forsyth Fire that forced three Utah communities to evacuate is now sized at nearly 12,000 acres with 22% containment, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

As of Saturday, June 28, the fire is marked at 11,642 acres in size. Officials are currently monitoring changing fire conditions to determine the best approach to contain the blaze.

Containment has reportedly increased south and west of the Pine Valley community, as well as northeast of Pine Valley toward the Gardner Peak Trail, and from Water Canyon to the northern point of the fire.

The western portion of the Pine Valley Recreation Area has also been contained, officials said. Hand crews are working the fire’s edge south of Pine Valley along the Saddle Fire scar and west of Forsyth Creek from the southwest corner.

Additional air resources arrived on Friday and have been supporting suppression efforts, as well as the delivery of resources and supplies.

The eastern flank of the fire is reportedly burning in the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness. Crews are working to find areas where the fire can be held at natural barriers, such as meadows and rocky outcrops where fuels are not as continuous, in this area. Officials said that while steep, rugged terrain are a challenge and there are safety concerns, the Forsyth Fire remains a full suppression effort.

Temperatures are hitting the mid-80s today, June 28, within Pine Valley. Strong southwest winds are also hitting the area, with gusts up to 20 mph, aligning with slopes and leading to increased fire behavior. Storms are expected early next week — this likely means gusty winds, dry lightning, and only a slight chance of wetting rains.

The U.S. Forest Service has provided the following information on evacuations and closures:

“Starting today, June 28, Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect for all lands in Washington, Iron and the surrounding counties … The communities of Pine Valley, Grass Valley and Gray’s Ranch are in a ‘Set’ level evacuation order. Pinto is in ‘Ready’ status. For the most up-to-date evacuation status, visit the News section of the Washington County website. If you have questions regarding evacuation status, please reach out to the Washington County Sheriff via the non-emergency dispatch line at (435) 634-5730. A Forest Closure Order is in place for the Pine Valley Ranger District, information and maps can be found under Alerts and Fire Danger Status on the Dixie National Forest website.”

No further information is available at this time.