PINE VALLEY, Utah – Fire crews are in a desperate race against time, battling the ferocious Forsyth Fire, which has exploded to 1,500 acres with zero containment, forcing the evacuation of hundreds from the scenic mountain community of Pine Valley. The blaze, characterized by officials as exhibiting “extreme fire behavior,” has already destroyed 12 homes, leaving a trail of devastation and uncertainty in its wake.
The fire, which ignited Thursday evening approximately 15 miles north of St. George, is being fueled by a volatile combination of steep, rugged terrain, dry timber, and erratic, gusty winds that have created a nightmare scenario for the more than 150 firefighters on the front lines. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the area, signaling critical fire weather conditions that could lead to further rapid growth.
“The fire throughout the day did actually come down all the way to Main Street and was jumping Main Street for a portion of the time,” said Sgt. Lucas Alfred with the Washington County Sheriff’s office on Friday, highlighting the precarious situation. “The most important thing is life. We are going to try and protect structures of course, but when lives are on the line as well, that is going to be a priority.”
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for the entire community of Pine Valley, with between 400 and 500 residents forced to flee their homes. An evacuation center has been established at a local church in Veyo for those displaced. For many, the order came so suddenly there was no time to gather belongings.
“There was an evacuation order before we even realized that we need to get up there to get things out,” one evacuated couple told reporters while taking shelter. “So we didn’t have a chance.”
The fire’s intensity, which includes crowning—where the fire leaps from treetop to treetop—and significant spotting, has prompted a large-scale response. Resources currently deployed include 16 engines, multiple hand crews, and helicopters. A Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team has been mobilized and is expected to assume command, bringing additional resources and expertise to bear on the complex incident. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also authorized the use of federal funds to assist with the escalating firefighting costs.
While the immediate forecast offers a glimmer of hope, with cooler temperatures and a chance of rain showers predicted for late Saturday night and into Sunday, crews are not letting their guard down. The current windy and dry conditions continue to pose a significant threat, and the primary focus remains on protecting the hundreds of homes and vital infrastructure that lie in the fire’s potential path.
The cause of the Forsyth Fire is believed to be a lightning strike from a recent storm system that passed through the region. Officials are urging the public to stay away from the fire area and to refrain from flying drones, which can interfere with critical aerial firefighting operations. As the community holds its breath, the men and women on the front lines are preparing for another grueling day, hoping the weather will turn in their favor and offer a much-needed reprieve in their fight to save Pine Valley.
