Forsyth Fire evacuation orders for Pine Valley, Grass Valley, Gray’s Ranch downgraded, residents returning home

PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — Thursday night, residents of Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Gray’s Ranch are finally seeing a light at the end of a very smokey tunnel. After a week of uncertainty, evacuation orders are being downgraded.

At a community meeting Thursday evening, fire officials outlined the next steps for residents.

As of Thursday night, there is still a police issued roadblock, but on Friday morning at 10 a.m., residents in Pine Valley will finally be able to return to their homes.

The Snow family came to the community meeting hoping for good news. They said that not only has it been hard being away from their home for an entire week, but they’re afraid when they go back, they might not like what they see.

“This whole thing has just been a tragedy. It really is, because our beautiful valley is not going to be the same no more, you know, and it just makes me sick,” Earl Snow told ABC4.com.

Although neighbors will be returning to their homes once again, it won’t be business as usual. Fire crews will still be working throughout the town, monitoring hot spots and smoke that is still lingering on the mountainside.

“When you’re in the neighborhoods, if you see a fire truck behind you and they need to get past, be aware of them,” Sgt. Lucas Alfred with Washington County Sheriff’s Office said. “Let them pass. Does that sound fair? So that way we can kind of all coexist.”

Pine Valley’s residents are being asked to avoid the forest entirely. Officials are saying that it will remain closed until July 31 at the very earliest.

And still another big concern is the air quality, especially during the overnight hours.

“I would encourage folks to limit your driving around in the early morning hours during the smoke, because we will have firefighters going in and out,” Cody Kidd with Great Basin Team 7 said. “And for your safety in there, I encourage you to limit your driving when it’s smoky conditions.”

The Snow family said it’s been a difficult week–filled with sleepless nights, anxiety, and a longing to be home.

“We’ve been pretty much upside down for a week here. You know, sleep’s not real good and all those kind of things. It’s just been a real tough,” Earl Snow said.

But even amongst the devastation, there’s a sense of gratitude and relief. A community torn apart by fire is starting to heal.

“It’ll be hard, but, you know, it’ll be there’ll be comfort and relief being able to get back…” Kathy Snow said. “It’s our home. You know, that’s the main thing. It’s our home. And, you know, that’s everything to us.”

At 10 a.m. Friday morning, Pine Valley will still be under a soft closure, meaning that only those who live in the area will be allowed back in.