#forsythfire

Forsyth Fire Update: Crews Push Containment as Southern Edge Remains Active"Firefighters on the Forsyth Fire continue to make steady progress as containment grows to 72%. The wildfire, located near Pine Valley in Washington County, has now burned 15,673 acres since it was first reported on June 19. The fire was caused by lightning.Sunday’s operations included strategic aerial drops on the southern edge of the fire, where flames in the canopy threatened to intensify...." Read the full article

Forsyth Fire Grows to 13,597 Acres as Crews Focus on Containment Near Pine Valley"Fire crews made continued progress on the Forsyth Fire Thursday, expanding containment to 46% as the wildfire footprint grew slightly to 13,597 acres. The blaze, first reported on June 19 and caused by lightning, remains active in Dixie National Forest near the Pine Valley and New Harmony areas.With 664 personnel assigned, firefighting efforts have been focused on securing containment around the Pine Valley Recreation Area and connecting previous burn scars on the north end of the fire...." Read the full article

Forsyth Fire Update: July 2, 2025"Fire Details: Size: 13,419 acres Containment: 42% Personnel: 660 Location: Pine Valley, Utah Reported: June 19, 2025 Cause: LightningCurrent Situation:Crews made progress on containment yesterday, completing handline in the southwest corner up to Forsyth Creek and around the Pine Valley Recreation Area...." Read the full article

Forsyth Fire Grows to Over 8,000 Acres Near Pine Valley"June 24, 2025 — Pine Valley, UTThe Forsyth Fire, sparked by lightning on June 19, continues to burn in steep and rugged terrain north of St. George, now covering 8,229 acres with 0% containment as of Tuesday. The Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 7, led by Incident Commander Mike Johnston, is coordinating with Dixie National Forest, State of Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and other local partners to manage the blaze.Yesterday, firefighters rappelled from helicopters into difficult terrain on the fire’s southwest edge near an old burn scar to secure the fire perimeter. Crews are also working in Lloyd Canyon, digging hand line and laying hoses to protect nearby structures.Progress continues on the western portion of the fire, with connected hand and dozer lines stretching from the valley floor to Water Canyon. Fire crews are also protecting campgrounds in the Pine Valley Recreation Area by reducing fuel and laying hose lines. The fire has also extended into the Pine Valley Wilderness Area, where crews must follow special regulations that minimize equipment impact while still prioritizing containment.No new structure losses have been reported since the initial 12 homes were affected last week. Resources remain focused on mopping up hotspots, securing lines, and reducing threats to life and property. photo courtesy of https://www.firenet.gov/Weather and Fire BehaviorStrong southwest winds of 15–20 mph will continue today. A drying trend is expected to raise the potential for critical fire weather later this week, with Red Flag Warnings possible by Thursday or Friday. Sloped terrain, dry fuels, and low humidity are driving fire growth, particularly on the eastern flank.Evacuations and Closures“Go” evacuation orders remain in effect for the Pine Valley and Grass Valley communities.The Pinto area is currently at the “Set” level, meaning residents should be ready to evacuate if fire conditions worsen.A full Forest Closure Order is in effect for the Pine Valley Ranger District. Closure information and maps are available here.For questions about property status, contact Washington County Sheriff via the non-emergency line at 435-634-5730.Fire ResourcesCurrently assigned to the Forsyth Fire: 509 personnel 16 engines 2 water tenders 2 hotshot crews 2 hand crews 2 Type 1 helicopters Air Attack and Large Air Tankers 2 bulldozers (on order)Reminder: If you fly, we can’t. Drone use is strictly prohibited in the area due to the risk it poses to aerial firefighting operations.Fire Info Contacts:Public Information Line: 435-280-2263Media Only: 435-280-2259Email: [email protected] – Forsyth FireFacebook – Dixie National Forest..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

When Lightning Strikes Twice (or Weeks Later): The Hidden Risk of Sleeper Wildfires"In the dry, red-rock deserts and pine-covered plateaus of the Southwest, fire season doesn’t always start with a blaze. Sometimes, it begins with a whisper — a single lightning strike, a plume of invisible smoke, and a smoldering ember that waits days or even weeks before bursting into flames.These types of delayed wildfires, often called "sleeper fires," are ignited by lightning but lie dormant under the surface. They burn slowly in organic duff layers, tree roots, or thick brush, undetected until conditions change — wind shifts, temperatures spike, or humidity drops — and the fire emerges into open terrain.How It HappensLightning-generated fires are common throughout the West, particularly in areas with frequent thunderstorms and drought-prone fuels. But not all lightning strikes cause immediate fire activity. When a lightning bolt strikes a tree or the ground, it can ignite flammable material beneath the surface. If the surrounding environment is cool or moist enough, the fire may linger without visible flames.As weather conditions dry out and temperatures rise, that buried ignition point can suddenly flare up — sometimes long after the initial storm has passed. These sleeper fires can catch communities and fire personnel off guard, especially if the area has already been deemed safe. The Hidden Risk of Sleeper WildfiresFires in Focus: Recent ExamplesIn Southern Utah and Northern Arizona, sleeper fires have made headlines in recent weeks. Three active wildfires in our region began as lightning strikes, each demonstrating how unpredictable nature can be: - France Canyon Fire (Garfield County): Now over 23,000 acres, this fire was first reported days after a lightning storm and continues to challenge crews with red-flag weather. - Forsyth Fire (Pine Valley): Sparked by lightning, the Forsyth Fire has grown to over 7,000 acres with zero containment. It continues to threaten structures and remains highly active in rugged terrain. - Bridge Creek Fire (Navajo Mountain): Reported on June 13, this fire expanded to 2,219 acres after red-flag winds accelerated smoldering hotspots in steep, inaccessible terrain.You can read full updates on each of these fires by visiting our Fire & Outdoors coverage section.What Really Causes Wildfires?While lightning is a natural cause of fire, it’s far from the only one — or even the most common. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), here’s how wildfires typically ignite in the U.S.: - Human-Caused Fires: ~85%* ** - Campfires left unattended - Burning debris - Equipment malfunctions (e.g., chainsaws, vehicles) - Arson - Power lines - Fireworks and open flames - Natural Causes: ~15% - Lightning is the primary natural causeIn dry climates like Utah, a single spark — whether natural or manmade — can lead to rapid fire spread due to flammable vegetation, low humidity, and high winds.How Firefighters Monitor Sleeper FiresDetecting sleeper fires requires a combination of technology and local knowledge. Aerial surveillance, satellite imagery, heat-detecting cameras, and patrol crews play vital roles in locating heat signatures that may be hidden beneath forest canopies or desert soils.Once identified, these fires are often managed aggressively to prevent sudden flare-ups. Fire lines are built, backburning techniques are used to eliminate fuel, and water or retardant drops may be deployed.What You Can DoEven if a fire isn’t actively burning, conditions can change fast. Here’s how to stay prepared: - Check local fire danger levels and restrictions - Report any signs of smoke or unusual heat to authorities - Avoid off-road driving or activities that could cause sparks - Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan during fire seasonAs we continue to track fire activity across the region, stay informed — and remember that fire doesn’t always start with flames.For the latest fire updates, visit our homepage or follow us on social media.Contact Info: - France Canyon Fire Info: [email protected] | 435-258-9909 - Forsyth Fire Info: [email protected] | 435-280-2263 - Bridge Creek Fire Info: [email protected] | 928-465-7558..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Forsyth Fire Update"Monday, June 23, 2025 Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 7Mike Johnston, Incident CommanderForsyth Fire Statistics:Size: 7,045 acresContainment: 0%Total Personnel: 280+Location: Pine Valley, UtahReported: June 19, 2025Cause: LightningFor More Information:Information Phone: 435-280-2263Media Only: 435-280-2259Email: [email protected]: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/utdif-forsythFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/usfsdnf The Forsyth Fire near Pine Valley, Utah has grown to 7,045 acres with 0% containment. Community meetings and ongoing containment strategies are in place as fire crews continue efforts across impacted zones.Special Notes:A community meeting for the residents of Pine Valley and Grass Valley will be held tonight at 6 PM at the Central Fire Station, 155 E Center Street. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the Dixie National Forest Facebook page. The incident team continues close coordination with Dixie National Forest, Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and local cooperators to meet fire objectives and protect values at risk, with safety as the top priority. As of today, no additional structure losses have been reported. The Forsyth Fire near Pine Valley, Utah has grown to 7,045 acres with 0% containment. Community meetings and ongoing containment strategies are in place as fire crews continue efforts across impacted zones.Current Situation:Yesterday, fire retardant was successfully dropped by air resources along a ridgeline near the old burn scar on the southwest flank, helping to slow the fire’s progression. Crews also focused on mopping up hotspots behind structures, working up to 100 feet into burned areas. Firefighters constructed a handline from the valley floor up toward Water Canyon, which connects to a dozer line coming from the north. Both the northeast and southwest fire edges are within the Pine Valley Wilderness Area, where firefighters use minimal-impact strategies due to restrictions on equipment use in wilderness zones.Weather and Fire Behavior:Winds today will return from the southwest at 15–20 MPH, most affecting south-facing slopes. As the week progresses, conditions are expected to become hotter and drier, increasing the likelihood of critical fire weather approaching the weekend. Despite recent cooler temperatures and lower winds, the fire remains active due to extremely dry fuels and low humidity.Evacuations and Closures:The communities of Pine Valley and Grass Valley remain under "Go" evacuation orders to ensure public safety and allow fire crews to operate effectively. Pinto is currently under a "Set" status, and residents should be prepared to evacuate if fire activity moves northwest. For questions regarding property status, contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 435-634-5730. A Forest Closure Order is in effect for the Pine Valley Ranger District. Maps and details are available at: https://tinyurl.com/v9xfm2cz...."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Forsyth Fire Forces Evacuations in Pine Valley, Destroys 12 Structures"June 20, 2025 — Pine Valley, UTA fast-moving wildfire in Pine Valley, approximately 15 miles north of St. George, has burned through 1,500 acres and prompted a full evacuation of the community. The Forsyth Fire began Thursday, June 19, and remains at 0% containment as of Friday evening.Fueled by high winds, steep terrain, and red flag weather conditions, the blaze has exhibited extreme fire behavior. Firefighters have been working through the night and day to protect homes and create containment lines. Sadly, 12 structures—including both primary and secondary residences—have been confirmed lost in the fire.Evacuations and ClosuresThe entire Pine Valley area remains under mandatory evacuation, with a hard closure in place. An official evacuation information center has been established at:Veyo Church176 East Center StreetVeyo, UtahResidents and the public are urged to stay clear of the area and comply with all emergency instructions. Importantly, do not fly drones, as aerial firefighting operations rely on uninterrupted airspace for suppression efforts.Response and ResourcesAs of June 20, fire response includes: 16 engines 2 water tenders 2 Hotshot crews 2 additional hand crews 2 Type 1 aviation units Air attack and large air tankers on order 2 bulldozers on orderOvernight, crews utilized a fuel break to directly engage the fire and protect the Pine Valley community. Operations continue to focus on structure protection and assessing additional containment opportunities.The cause of the fire is still under investigation.For further updates on wildfires in Utah, visit the Dixie National Forest alerts page...."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article