Forsyth

### 1. Fire Start, Size and Growth - **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Forsyth Fire ignited on June 9, 2025, approximately 30 miles north of St. George, Utah. The fire started from a lightning strike that initially smoldered inside the base of a tree for several days before spreading rapidly on June 19 due to strong winds[1]. - **Size and Containment**: As of July 19, 2025, the fire has burned approximately 15,662 acres and is 84% contained[1][2]. - **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire spread was driven by steep terrain, hot temperatures, strong winds, and very low humidity (single-digit levels), which contributed to rapid fire growth, especially on June 19 when red flag warnings were in effect. The fire spread from smoldering inside a tree to a larger wildfire, moving toward Pine Valley[1][3]. - **Containment Efforts**: Fire crews have been actively working to establish control lines, particularly along ridgelines, with multiple crews assigned to hold the fire at natural barriers. The terrain has made access difficult, but efforts have been effective in slowing the fire’s advance[3]. ### 2. Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** - Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the Pine Valley community and nearby campgrounds as the fire approached[2]. - Approximately 14 residential structures have been destroyed, indicating a significant number of residents impacted. - Evacuation shelters and detailed zone information are managed by local authorities; residents are advised to follow updates from Utah fire officials. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - Specific road closures have not been detailed in the search results, but residents are advised to monitor local alerts for any closures near Pine Valley and surrounding areas due to fire activity and firefighting operations. **For more information, visit:** - Utah Fire Info Twitter: https://twitter.com/UtahWildfire - Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands: https://ffsl.utah.gov/ - Dixie National Forest Fire Updates: https://www.fs.usda.gov/dixie ### 3. Current Impact **Impacts:** - **Structures**: The fire has destroyed 14 residential structures and four outbuildings[1][2]. - **Community Impact**: The Pine Valley community has been evacuated, and the fire has affected nearby campgrounds. The presence of firefighters has also impacted local towns such as Enterprise, which has welcomed hundreds of firefighting personnel[2]. - **Injuries and Fatalities**: No specific reports of injuries or fatalities have been noted in the available information. - **Power and Utilities**: Power outages have been used as a fire prevention measure in the region, with utilities employing targeted power cuts to reduce fire risk[2]. - **Safety Concerns**: A Stage 1 Fire Restriction is in effect for all unincorporated private and state lands starting June 28, limiting outdoor burning and other fire risks[2]. Air quality may be affected locally due to smoke, and residents should monitor health advisories. ### 4. Ongoing Outlook - **Containment Projections**: With 84% containment achieved by July 19, fire crews are confident in holding the fire at natural barriers such as ridgelines. Continued efforts focus on securing control lines and preventing further spread into Pine Valley and surrounding areas[1][3]. - **Weather and Wind Warnings**: Hot, dry winds from the west have contributed to fire behavior and remain a concern for potential fire growth. Red flag warnings and fire weather watches have been issued during the fire’s progression, emphasizing the risk of rapid fire spread under these conditions[1][4]. ### 5. Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate - **Cause**: The fire was caused by a lightning strike on June 9, 2025, which ignited the base of a tree and smoldered for several days before strong winds on June 19 caused rapid fire growth[1]. - **Weather and Climate**: Extreme fire weather conditions including high temperatures, strong winds, and very low humidity have driven the fire’s spread. The steep terrain has also complicated firefighting efforts. These conditions are consistent with the ongoing challenges posed by climate factors contributing to wildfire severity in the region[1][3][4].

Citations

['https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forsyth_Fire', 'https://www.kuer.org/utah-wildfires', 'https://www.fox13now.com/news/utah-wildfires/nerves-frayed-as-forsyth-fire-grows-slightly-flames-seen-on-southern-utah-mountaintop', 'https://app.watchduty.org/i/52167', 'https://www.fireweatheravalanche.org/fires/139452462/utah/forsyth-fire']