Forsyth Fire explodes to over 6 300 ha (15 700 acres), destroys 17 homes in Pine Valley, Utah
The Forsyth Fire in Washington County, Utah, has burned 6 377 ha (15 756 acres) as of June 21, 2025, destroying at least 17 homes and forcing mandatory evacuations in the Pine Valley area. Containment remains at 0% amid extreme weather conditions.
Image credit: Utah Fire Info
The Forsyth Fire ignited at approximately 17:28 LT (23:28 UTC) on June 19 in the Pine Valley Wilderness area, northwest of St. George, and rapidly expanded under gusty winds and critically dry fuels.
The fire reached 607 ha (1 500 acres) by June 20 and expanded tenfold within 24 hours, burning 6 377 ha (15 756) by the morning of June 21.
Fire behavior remains extreme, characterized by rapid lateral spread, flame lengths exceeding 10 m (33 feet), and prolific spotting. No containment lines have held due to unstable wind shifts and complex terrain.
Mandatory evacuations were issued at 21:30 LT on June 19 for the Pine Valley community and campground. An estimated 400–500 residents were displaced, and approximately 400 structures remain threatened. Seventeen homes have been confirmed destroyed, along with multiple outbuildings.
Pine Valley, a recreational and residential enclave, lies within 400 m (1 300 feet) of the active fire perimeter. Officials have urged the public to avoid the area to ensure unimpeded access for firefighting operations.
Over 150 firefighting personnel are deployed, including hotshot crews, hand crews, engine teams, water tenders, and dozer units. Aviation resources, comprising large air tankers (LATs), single-engine air tankers (SEATs), and helicopters are supporting suppression efforts from Cedar City.
Ground crews are concentrating on protecting structures by reinforcing existing fuel breaks. However, rapid shifts in wind direction and sustained fire activity have hindered containment.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has requested that civilians refrain from flying drones near the fire, as unauthorized UAVs interfere with aerial operations.
On June 20, Pine Valley recorded high temperatures of 25 °C (77 °F), with relative humidity near 19%. Sustained winds from the south-southwest reached 40–56 km/h (25–35 mph), with gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
The forecast indicates sunny, dry conditions with gusty winds continuing into Sunday, further complicating firefighting efforts.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating evacuations and perimeter control. Sheriff Nate Brooksby confirmed the loss of 17 homes.
Rocky Mountain Power implemented a public safety power shutoff across central and southern Utah to prevent further ignitions. FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to reimburse 75% of eligible suppression costs.
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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