Forsyth Fire nears 13,000 acres, New Harmony residents preparing

PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — The Forsyth Fire that forced three Utah communities to evacuate is nearing 13,000 acres with 32% containment, according to the U.S. Forest Service. A public meeting on the matter was scheduled for today, June 30, at 7 p.m.

“There will be a public meeting tonight at 7pm for anyone in the New Harmony Area at New Harmony Town Park at the corner of Center Street and 175 E,” an announcement from the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team stated. “Seating is limited, please bring a chair.”

Fire conditions remain active in the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness Area with “extremely warm and dry weather,” officials said.

The fire reportedly continues to grow, with natural features like rock bands and meadows moderating the spread of the blaze. Firefighters continue to mop up deeper into the fire’s interior on the northwest side as fire behavior slows there. Pine Valley is in a “patrol status” both day and night, officials said.

Crews have been flown into the Wilderness Area to start building handline on the eastern side, according to the Forest Service. Fire managers are planning for volatile weather this week, as temperatures continue to rise and winds stay strong. Brush has reportedly been reduced in the Oak Grove Campground, and Browse Guard Station has been wrapped in fire-resistant material.

Temperatures continue to rise and may reach 90 degrees today, June 30, with strong southwest winds gusting up to 20 mph. The fire has the potential to line up with slopes and valleys, which will increase fire behavior in the afternoons, officials said. Storms are expected early this week, with gusty and erratic winds expected, as well as dry lightning and only a slight chance of wetting rains.

The following evacuations and closures are in effect, according to the U.S. Forest Service:

“Stage 1 fire restrictions are in 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.