Forsyth Fire evacuees can return home starting Friday morning

CENTRAL, Washington County — Everyone who evacuated due to the Forsyth Fire got some good news Thursday evening when they learned they will soon be allowed to return to their homes.

Starting Friday at 10 a.m., evacuees from Pine Valley, Grass Valley and Gray’s Ranch will be able to go back home, one week after they first had to flee the flames.

At a community meeting, Washington County Sheriff’s Sgt. Lucas Alfred told residents they will still need to be on standby to evacuate if needed, but they will no longer be prohibited from accessing their properties.

“Great relief,” said Pine Valley resident Allison Keyes, who became emotional after hearing the news. “It’s been a very long week, to say the least.”

The Forsyth Fire has burned nearly 10,000 acres and is 5% contained. The fire has destroyed 13 homes and four other buildings.

At Thursday’s community meeting at the Central Fire Station, officials gave an update on the fire and what’s ahead for the firefighting effort. Weather had been favorable earlier this week for firefighting, but conditions are becoming hotter and drier, with stronger wind gusts.

More than 700 people have been battling this wildfire, in the air and on the ground.

 

“I’m glad no one has been hurt. We watch that fire every night burn across there,” Keyes said. “I can’t believe a fireman wasn’t hurt there. It’s crazy.”

Earlier Thursday, Kirk Cotterall, who has owned a home in Pine Valley since 1987, said he hoped officials would allow residents to return home soon.

Cotterall called the fire a “tragedy,” and he remarked how ripe the area is for wildfires.

“I have pasture land. Even if you look at it cross-eyed, it’ll catch fire,” Cotterall said. “It’s that dry.”