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. Tankers and helicopters worked to push the fire back down to the forest floor, enabling crews to safely engage on the ground.
Today, fire personnel will focus on suppression repair work on the western perimeter, particularly around Lloyd Canyon. The southern ridge above Oak Grove Campground remains a hotspot of concern, and crews are constructing both direct and indirect handlines to contain activity. A contingency group remains stationed in Oak Grove to monitor the area closely.
Terrain-driven winds continue to fuel the fire’s spread, and with more winds expected, crews are preparing for increased fire behavior.
Excessive Heat Warning and Weather Outlook
Conditions remain dangerously hot and dry, with relative humidity in the single digits. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Tuesday, and there is a slight chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms moving through the area this afternoon. Although the probability of moisture reaching the fire is low, changing weather could bring shifting behavior to the burn zone.
Evacuations and Closures
- Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across Washington, Iron, and surrounding counties.
- A Forest Closure Order continues for the Pine Valley Ranger District.
- The communities of Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Gray’s Ranch remain under a “Ready” evacuation status.
- Pinto is no longer under evacuation.
For up-to-date evacuation details, visit the Washington County website.
For questions, contact the Washington County Sheriff at 435-634-5730 (non-emergency line).
Flight Restrictions and Safety
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire. Officials remind the public: If you fly, we can’t. Drone incursions pose a serious risk to aerial firefighting operations. Visit Know Before You Fly for guidelines.
The Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Tony DeMasters, continues close coordination with the Dixie National Forest, State of Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands, Bureau of Land Management, and local agencies.
For More Information:
Incident Phone: 435-280-2263
Email: [email protected]
InciWeb: Forsyth Fire
Facebook: USFS Dixie National Forest
