#greatbasincomplex

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

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