The Forsyth Fire, fueled by dry conditions and lightning in Washington County, has burned over 5,500 acres since it ignited on Thursday. As crews worked to combat the blaze, a shift in wind conditions brought a sliver of hope, providing “slight relief” to the firefighting efforts, according to the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 7.
Governor Spencer Cox visited the area on Sunday, describing the scene as “obviously devastating.” He noted that this fire is indicative of a statewide trend, as the combination of increasing heat and significant water shortages have made many regions in Utah susceptible to wildfires. “It’s going to get dicey everywhere,” he warned.
Despite the destruction of 13 homes, which he referred to as a “miracle,” the governor confirmed that no one was injured or killed in the fire. Chief Robert Hardy of the Pine Valley Fire Department reported that no families were displaced, as most of the burned structures were second homes. Among the properties lost were two belonging to volunteer firefighters.
Evacuation orders have been issued for Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Pinto, with approximately 400 firefighters on the scene striving to contain the fire, which remains at 0% containment.
In addition to the Forsyth Fire, other wildfires are also active in southern Utah, including the France Canyon Fire, which has consumed over 15,000 acres and is currently 10% contained, and the Bridge Creek Fire, which has burned more than 2,100 acres with no containment reported.
The lightning that sparked the Forsyth Fire appears to have likely originated from a tree struck about ten days prior, with winds contributing to its rapid escalation. Governor Cox urged residents to exercise caution to prevent human-caused fires, especially as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
Cox emphasized the importance of federal forest treatment policies initiated during the Trump administration and continued under Biden, advocating for increased logging and grazing to promote healthier forests and mitigate severe fires. He called on Utahns to pray for rain, highlighting a community spirit in facing these challenging circumstances.
As firefighters work diligently to contain the blaze, the community’s resilience and cooperation offer a hopeful perspective amid these devastating conditions, reminding us of the strength in unity during crises like these.