Forsyth Fire

June

The Forsyth Fire was caused from a lightning strike hitting a tree on June 9, leaving a fire a smolder inside the tree's trunk. On June 19, strong winds during a red flag warning caused the fire to pick up, and smoke was now visible with fire crews responding.^[7] That evening, the fire spread to an estimated 50–100 acres (20–40 ha) in dry brush, and grew to 1,000 acres (400 ha) early the next day. Evacuation orders had been issued in Pine Valley.^[9] Strong winds played a large role in the fire's spread, already at 1,640 acres (660 ha) that evening. The Forsyth Fire was experiencing "extreme" fire behavior with 150 firefighters combating it. Several homes had been destroyed.^[4]

On June 24, fire's size had reached 7,045 acres (2,851 ha) and still 0% contained, with almost 300 personnel fighting the fire. They prioritized on establishing containment and protecting structures near Pine Valley Reservoir, and completing a burnout operation near Pine Valley Recreation Area. Evacuation orders remained in place for Pine Valley and Grass Valley, with an evacuation warning for Pinto. At a community meeting, a United States Forest Service fire behavior analyst stated there were "some of the highest fire danger levels recorded in the past 25 years".^[10]

More firing operations occurred on June 25 to remove vegetation around structures. Firefighters were laying a hose line around Pine Valley, and other crews focused on evacuating residents in Pine Valley and Grass Valley. The fire had grown by 670 acres (270 ha).^[11] However, "Go Now" evacuation orders were lowered to "Set" levels. The Forsyth Fire, now at 10,673 acres (4,319 ha), was 8% contained. Despite this, hot and dry conditions were expected, including wind gusts from 20–25 miles per hour (32–40 km/h). Cooler, wetter conditions were forecasted.^[12]

Containment lines were established south and west of Pine Valley on June 28, and the fire was 22% contained. The eastern part of the fire was still burning, and steep slopes remained a concern. Suppression efforts were aided by air support crews.^[13] The Forsyth Fire was over 12,000 acres (4,900 ha), but was 26% contained. Hot spots on the north part of the fire were quickly extinguished, and temperatures were upwards of 80 °F.^[14]

July onwards

A red flag warning was in effect on July 1, with winds up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) and a weather system with potential for lightning and outflow winds, with a low chance of rain. A community meeting was scheduled for New Harmony due to an increasing threat from the fire. Fire crews focused on addressing hot spots.^[15] However, containment increased to 42% and the fire was 13,419 acres (5,430 ha). There was still a high chance of dry lightning and gusty winds, as well as a 25% chance of rain and possible microbursts.^[16]

July 4 was considered "a critical fire day" because of a warming trend, low moisture, strong winds up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h), and dry vegetation. Despite this, Level 2 "Set" evacuations were lowered to Level 1 "Ready" status.^[17] The critical fire weather continued into the next day, but a scouting operation revealed there would be no more spread from the southwest part of the fire. The Forsyth Fire was 47% contained.^[18]

Warm temperatures, low fuel moistures, winds from 15–20 miles per hour (24–32 km/h), and low humidity levels contributed to fire conditions. Smoke would be visible in St. George, and crews worked on repairing dozer lines.^[19] By July 8, the fire had grown to 14,241 acres (5,763 ha) and was 51% contained. Temperatures reached up to 90 °F with the humidity below 15%. The latter was the main reason for moderate fire activity.^[20]

Steep terrain drove the fire another 775 acres (314 ha), and it was now seen from Pine Mountain overlooking Southern Utah on July 11. Residents believed the fire would come over the mountain. The Forsyth Fire was 58% contained at 15,363 acres (6,217 ha), mostly spreading along the southern edge.^[21][6] The following day, hot and dry conditions drove the fire which had now reached 67% containment.^[22] The fire's size grew to 15,604 acres (6,315 ha) and reached 72% containment on June 13. Aerial drops were aimed at the southern edge. High temperatures and humidity in the single digits triggered a fire weather watch for July 15.^[5]

On June 16, a drone was detected in the area, grounding all aircraft operations.^[23] Heavy monsoonal rains on July 18 brought cooler temperatures and high humidity, and moisture will last until July 19. There was chance of thunderstorms, and the storm system brought gusty winds. Only the fire's southern edge remained uncontained.^[24]

Moist and monsoonal conditions persisted, and containment increased to 99% on July 23 with no perimeter growth. Level 1 Ready evacuations for Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Gray's Ranch were lifted.^[25]

The Forsyth Fire reached 100% containment on August 7 at a size of 15,675 acres (6,343 ha).^[26]

Damage

The Forsyth Fire destroyed eighteen structures total: fourteen residences and four outbuildings in Pine Valley, Utah.^[27] About 400 other structures were threatened.^[28] On June 21, Rocky Mountain Energy enacted a Public Safety Power Shutoff in Southern and Central Utah.^[27] As of July 15, 2025^[update], the fire has caused an estimated $35.7 million (2025 USD) in damage.^[29]

One firefighter was injured while combating the fire on July 16. He fell off a hill and was airlifted to St. George Regional Hospital. He is expected to make a "full recovery".^[30]

Closures and evacuations

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for Pine Valley, Grass Valley, and Gray's Ranch. Evacuation warnings were issued for Pinto.^[31] Between 400 and 500 residents were evacuated.^[4]

Pine Valley Recreation Area will be closed for the rest of 2025 due to damage from the Forsyth Fire. Reservations were cancelled and refunded.^[32] Several forest roads were closed by the United States Forest Service.^[33]

Environmental impacts

When evacuation orders were lifted, residents were warned of burnt trees falling, ash pits, dust devils, and rockslides attributed to the fire.^[12]

There were smoke health concerns for residents; an inversion set over Pine Valley at night. This trapped smoke in, allowing air quality levels to reach hazardous.^[12]

Postfire assessements of Soil Burn Severity showed a notable reduction in burn severity in the Middle Fork of the Santa Clara River, where passage of the fire front was moderated by night-time drone operations. The adjacent North and South Forks of the Santa Clara burned during the daytime, and experienced higher burn severity.^[41] October rains caused debris flows over portions of the severely burned areas.^[42]