Firefighter injured while battling Forsyth Fire in Washington County

PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — A firefighter was injured while battling the lightning-caused Forsyth Fire that continues to burn near Pine Valley in Washington County.

The Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue said its team assisted in the rescue and transport of the injured firefighter, who reportedly “experienced a fall.” The firefighter was taken off the mountain to a landing zone where he was treated in the back of the ambulance until being flown to the St. George Regional Hospital.

The injured firefighter has not been publicly identified but is expected to make a full recovery.

The Forsyth Fire has been burning since June 19. After initial rapid growth, fire officials reported the fire was now 81% contained and grew only five acres overnight to a total of 15,682 acres burned. The increase in containment came near Whipple Valley and on the southeast side near the 2020 Spirit Creek Fire.

“Crews are making progress on the handline being constructed to increase containment along the south side of the fire in the Deer Flat area. The progress is slow due to difficult terrain and fuels,” officials said in a media release. “Crews will continue to work with Dixie Power while they restore electricity to summer residences in the Pine Valley Recreation Area.”

Despite weather conditions and a Red Flag Warning for the area, the fire has seen minimal growth in the last 24 hours. Contingency groups will remain in place, though, to protect the Oak Grove campground and New Harmony, in case fire activity does increase.

There are currently 509 fire personnel continuing to battle the Forsyth Fire flames. A Stage 1 fire restriction remains in place for Washington, Iron, and the surrounding counties.

The Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Gray’s Ranch communities are still under a “Ready” evacuation status, meaning residents should start preparations for an evacuation in case fire activity does increase.