Forsyth Fire surpasses 12,000 acres, 26% contained

PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — The Forsyth Fire that forced three Utah communities to evacuate is now sized at over 12,000 acres with 26% containment, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Fire crews have reached 26% containment, securing the line along the fire’s edge south of Pine Valley and on the north side of the Pine Valley Recreation Area. In the southwest corner of the fire, crews reportedly built a handline down into Forsyth Canyon, tying the fire’s edge into the Saddle Fire burn scar.

On the north end of the fire, hot spots were found outside of the perimeter and crews worked quickly to extinguish them. Today, June 29, three crews are being flown to the east side of the fire where they will be addressing spot fire and using existing trail systems and retardant that was laid on Saturday to tie back into the fire’s edge.

In the Oak Grove and Browse Guard Station areas, crews are removing brush around areas at risk and prepping Forest Service structures in the area. This will also allow firefighters to safely engage with the fire.

Temperatures will continue to rise into the high 80s today, with strong southwest winds gusting up to 20 mph. The fire reportedly has potential to line up with slopes and valleys, which will increase fire behavior in the afternoon. Storms are expected next week — meaning 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:

“Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for all lands in Washington, Iron and the surrounding counties, for more information visit Utahfireinfo.gov. 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.”