Forsyth Fire now 77% contained, grows 3 acres in 24 hours

PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — Firefighters battling the Forsyth Fire since June 19 have contained 77% of the fire, according to the latest information from the U.S. Forest-Service- Dixie National Forest.

The fire grew three acres in the past 24 hours and is at 15,676 acres. On Monday, crews were able to complete all repair work across the western edge of the fire that borders the community of Pine Valley, Tony DeMasters, Incident Commander for the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 2 said. DeMasters is heading the team battling the fire.

On the southern edge of the fire, light rain helped moderate the fire activity in the area. Crews say they will continue to use helicopters and fire engines to work on building a containment line in that portion of the fire perimeter.

DeMasters adds that they will continue to monitor and patrol the fire line through Thursday. Ober 560 personnel are on scene battling the lightning-caused fire.

Weather conditions

A Red Flag warning is in effect for most parts of Utah on Tuesday. According to ABC4’s 4Warn weather team, increasing winds, dry fire fuels, high heat and the chance of isolated dry thunderstorms heighten fire danger for the bulk of the Beehive State today.

Officials say the fire area will remain hot and dry throughout the day and expect some monsoon moisture to come in Thursday.

Pine Valley can expect reduced smoke levels. By afternoon, they are forecasted to have good air quality, officials said. Cedar City, St. George, Hurricane and Zion National Park can expect to have moderate air quality, which means that it could be unsafe for sensitive groups.

With Stage 1 Fire restrictions in place, no open fires, fireworks, or operating ATVs and motorcycles without an approved and working spark arrestor is allowed. These restrictions are in place in Washington, Iron and surrounding counties.

The communities of Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Gray’s Ranch are now in “Ready” level evacuation status- which means they have to consider planning or packing, in the event an evacuation becomes necessary. Pinto is no longer in any evacuation status.