PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — The Forsyth Fire, burning near Pine Valley, is nearing 14,000 acres in size. The blaze is 47% contained at this time, according to the U.S Forest Service.
Firefighters will continue patrolling and mopping up the northwest side of the fire and in the area of Pine Valley, according to an incident report Sunday, July 6. Repair and rehabilitation of dozer lines, water bars, and erosion mitigation continue on the north side of the fire.
“Please be aware of increased fire traffic in Pine Valley Recreation Area, resources will continue to be present to minimize any threats and concerns of the community,” fire officials said.
Crews are reportedly making progress on direct handline at the north end of the Summit Trail and on the northeast side of the fire, as well as scouting on the southwest side of the fire for opportunities to construct line. Alternate control lines are being built on the west side of New Harmony and south of Oak Grove Campground.
Dry, breezy weather conditions continue to create more active fire behavior, officials said. Temperatures are in the low to mid 80s and winds at 10-15 mph for valleys and slopes. Winds continue to come from the southwest and fuel moistures continue to be low.
“Maximum wind speeds on the ridges reaching 28 mph,” the report states. “More smoke may be visible from the fire as winds stay steady, and the high-pressure system reconfigures over the region. Higher elevations will begin to reach critically low fuel moisture levels.”
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for all lands in Washington, Iron, and surrounding counties. The communities of Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Gray’s Ranch have been downgraded to a “Ready” level evacuation order. Pinto no longer has any evacuation status. 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.
The U.S. Forest Service announced on Friday that the entire Pine Valley Recreation Area will be closed for the remainder of the 2025 season.
No further information is available at this time.
