PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — The over 600 fire personnel tackling the lightning-sparked Forsyth Fire in Washington County surpassed 50% containment of the flames after increasing containment on the western edge of the fire’s perimeter.
In a Tuesday morning update from the U.S. Forest Service, fire officials reported the Forsyth Fire is now 51% contained and has burned 14,241 acres – up from the 13,941 acres reported on Monday.
The U.S. Forest Service said fire crews will utilize unmanned aerial systems to aid their operation, should conditions allow, while building handlines on the south side and east side of the fire. However, as a warming and drying trend continues to take shape in the Beehive State, weather continues to be a concern.
“The airmass will remain very dry, with poor overnight relative humidity values that will fall below 15 percent by late in the morning,” the U.S. Forest Service said. “There is an increased chance of active fire behavior due to the winds that will increase out of the southwest today, with peak gusts around 20 miles per hour. Moderate fire behavior is expected to continue into the night due to poor relative humidity recovery.”
Fire officials said the winds are expected to strengthen on Wednesday, resulting in critical fire weather conditions.
A Stage 1 Fire Restriction remains in effect for all lands in Washington County, Iron County and all surrounding counties.
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