A tree in Pine Valley was struck by lightning. Here’s how the Forsyth Fire took over 10 days later
Jun 24, 2025, 8:13 PM
A tree struck by lightning was the cause of the Forsyth Fire, officials determined the week after it began. (Cmdr. Chad Walker, U.S. Forest Service)
(Cmdr. Chad Walker, U.S. Forest Service)
SALT LAKE CITY — After the ferocious Forsyth Fire raged through thousands of acres in Washington County, taking down homes and forcing hundreds to evacuate, fire officials revealed the curious reason for the fire’s start.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, crews discovered a tree strike near the point of the fire’s origin on Thursday, June 19. However, the last thunderstorm to have passed through the area was 10 days beforehand. Amazingly, the forest service said, the fire burned inside the tree’s trunk for days before anyone knew.
The forest service said the tree was hit at its base, beginning the fire’s process.
“This intense heat ignites the wood from within, creating a slow, flameless form of combustion known as smoldering,” the U.S. Forest Service stated. “This can continue within the tree for an extended period, even days or weeks, without an obvious flame.”
The fire remained undetected until winds picked up on Thursday, increasing the fire activity inside the tree and finally causing the smoke to leak, and prompting people nearby to call authorities.
“We want to thank the local fire departments that supported the state and federal partners during this intense period of firefighting,” the U.S. Forest Service said.
As of Tuesday, the Forsyth Fire had grown to just under 8,300 acres, and with it, the fire crew had grown to over 500 strong. The fire was still at 0% containment as of Tuesday.
This is a developing story. It may be updated.
