Forsyth Fire almost 50% contained, but ‘near critical fire weather’ persists
Jul 5, 2025, 4:24 PM
Smoke from the Forsyth Fire in Washington County, Utah is pictured on Friday, June 27, 2025. (Istvan Bartos, KSL TV)
(Istvan Bartos, KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Forsyth Fire was 47% contained on Saturday and had reached 13,689 acres in size, according to the latest report from the U.S. Forest Service.
The surrounding communities of Pine Valley, Grass Valley and Gray’s Ranch in Washington County were also downgraded to a “ready” evacuation status, meaning new evacuations were still possible, but less likely. The town of Pinto no longer had any evacuation status, the Forest Service said.
Despite the progress, the Forest Service said weather conditions over the weekend could increase the risk of “extreme fire behavior.”
“Near critical fire weather is expected today with dry and breezy conditions continuing into the weekend. Southwest winds will reach maximum speeds of 20 mph on ridgetops and 15-20 mph for valleys and slopes,” the Forest Service said.
Still, fire crews are making significant headway. The Forest Service reported successful firefighting operations around the Pine Valley Recreation Area. Scouting operations also revealed there was “no threat of additional fire spread” along the southwest boundary of the fire.
Map shows the extent and containment of the Forsyth Fire as of Saturday, July 5, 2025. (U.S. Forest Service)
Investigations previously revealed the fire, which destroyed 13 Pine Valley homes, was started by a lightning strike.
The Forest Service said 685 personnel were still working on the Forsyth Fire.
