Evacuation orders lifted for Pine Valley communities, but Forsyth Fire continues to grow

A week after the Forsyth Fire ignited and forced people from their homes in the Pine Valley community, residents got some welcome news Thursday night.

“Welcome home,” Pine Valley Fire Chief Robert Hardy said to a roar of cheers and claps at a community meeting Thursday evening.

As of 10:00 a.m. Friday morning, residents of Pine Valley, Grass Valley and Gray’s Ranch were no longer under a “Go” evacuation order. But those communities are not totally in the clear. The areas remain on a “set” evacuation order, meaning residents should be prepared to evacuate again if the fire progresses further. The community of Pinto has been reduced to “ready” status.

While firefighters have contained the blaze near residents’ homes, the Forsyth Fire continues to spread. It reached 10,673 acres as of Friday morning and is 8% contained.

Jason Bradley from the Washington County Emergency Management Operations told residents to register for reverse 911 if they haven’t already to receive the latest updates on evacuation orders.

Residents will return to an area that’s been heavily impacted by the Forsyth Fire. “It’s not the same,” Hardy said. “I know you will still love it just as much.”

Numerous hazards exist around homes, including burnt trees that may fall, hot ash pits, dust devils, rolling rocks, smoke and actively burning fire in the surrounding mountains.

“I just really want to emphasize that as a fire environment, we still have those conditions out there,” Joe Flores, fire behavior analyst, said. “Please be aware of those, and that there’s still some hazards around your house.”

Several fire engines will remain in the community to make sure everyone stays safe, said Cody Kidd with the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 7.

Those with heart and lung conditions, as well as elderly and very young residents, should take extra precautions in the smoke, Amber Holder, the air resource advisor, told residents. “There’s going to be a lot of smoke out there.”

Air quality reaches hazardous levels particularly at night as an inversion sets in over the valley and traps in the smoke. When the inversion lifts around 10:00 a.m., the smoke escapes and air quality improves. Residents can find the latest air quality info at airnow.gov.

Holder recommended limiting time outdoors, wearing N-95 masks and turning on HVAC systems and air purifiers indoors to mitigate smoke impacts.

Smoke not only poses health hazards, but also may limit visibility. Residents are advised to also limit driving in the early morning before the smoke lifts since firefighters will still be actively working and driving in and out of the area.

Officials also stressed that residents should stay close to home when they return to Pine Valley. “Don’t go on the trails. Don’t go in the campground,” said Joe Rechsteiner, district ranger for Pine Valley. “And that’s for your safety. It’s also for the safety of the firefighters that are out there trying to do a job right now.”

The surrounding National Forest lands will be closed until at least July 31, but Rechsteiner expects the closure to last even longer.

Once the fire is fully contained, the Forest Service will work with state partners on hazard mitigation then transition into post-fire rehabilitation, which may last three to five years.

Rechsteiner and others also pleaded with residents to not fly drones, which prevent aircraft from flying and conducting critical firefighting operations such as retardant and water drops.

“If you’re flying them, we can’t fly and those helicopters are critical to what we’re trying to do out there,” said Kidd. “That water in that steep country really helps our firefighters out and gives them a leg up.”

Kidd added that the firefighters are “super excited” to see people return home. “We hope everything goes well,” he said. “Just be patient with us. If you see some smoke, I can guarantee it’s probably not a big deal. You have a firefighter near you, and ask them a question.”

Pine Valley Fire Chief Hardy told residents if they have concerns about the fire to call him instead of 911.

“Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your patience,” he said. “I know this has been hard. This has been difficult for you on so many levels, I can’t even imagine.”

Hot, dry weather before monsoons arrive

Hotter and drier weather is expected for the area over the weekend. Winds will also increase to gusts of 20 to 25 miles per hour. “Those increasingly hot and dry conditions are going to create a more elevated fire weather environment,” said Sam Webber, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Those conditions aren’t expected to last long, though, and cooler, wetter weather is forecasted for next week. Southern Utah is entering monsoon season, which could mean rain for the area. While that may help dampen fuels and contain the fire, rains also bring hazards such as mudslides and debris flow.

Firefighting efforts in the mountains surrounding the Pine Valley community will likely continue for the foreseeable future. “It is tough country, and we are doing our best to come up with the plan,” Kidd said.

France Canyon Fire continues to grow

The France Canyon Fire burning near Bryce Canyon National Park reached 32,053 acres and is 15% contained as of Friday morning.

Firefighters are mopping up areas and increasing the depth of the fire line to get closer towards containing the blaze.

Visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park and residents of surrounding communities may notice more smoke as crews conduct firing operations.

Road closures still include all National Forest System lands south of Utah State Route 12, on the Powell Ranger District, with the exception of the trails and campgrounds in Red Canyon. The East Fork Road also remains closed. State Route 12, Highway 89 and Bryce Canyon National Park are open.