Saddle Fire Update-July 1, 2016

For Immediate Release

July 1, 2016, 8:30 a.m.

Contact: Saddle Fire Information (435) 590-2736 or (435) 680-0354 Email: saddlefireinfo@gmail.com

Dixie National Forest - Saddle Fire Update

PINE VALLEY, Utah – The Saddle Fire remained at 1,540 acres, while firefighters progressed on all sections of the fire and the containment is 29 percent.

A wetting rain left up to .3 inches of rain over portions of the fire and reduced the heat of the fire, but did not extinguish it. However, the weather is expected to warm up again and dry out the fuels by the beginning of the week. Although the moisture helped reduced the fire danger, it also delays the burning operations that are needed to secure the uncontained portions of remaining fireline. 

Crews continue to use ground and aerial ignition operations as well as direct and indirect line construction. These operations are removing fuels from the path of the fire in order to prevent the fire from spreading east toward the Pine Valley Recreation Area and south toward the Dammeron Valley area, while still providing protection to the Pine Valley community.

An attack strategy in Forsyth Canyon includes indirect firing operations using control lines in the canyon, natural barriers on the main ridge and utilizing a 2005 fire scar to the south.

Fire personnel remain concerned about drones flying in the area which is protected by a temporary flight restriction (TFR). Pine Valley residences are reminded that it is a federal offense to fly in a TFR.

There are 625 personnel, along with engines, heavy equipment and aircraft helping to suppress the fire. The fire remains most active in the Lloyd and Forsyth canyons.

Voluntary evacuations remain in place for Pine Valley, and the road into Pine Valley is only open to property owners. The Saddle Fire began June 13 with a lighting strike on Saddle Mountain in the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness of the Dixie National Forest. The fire started approximately 2.5 miles south west of Pine Valley, Utah.

The Pine Valley Recreation Area in the Dixie National Forest remains under an indefinite area closure to all uses until the order is rescinded. Those wanting more information about the area closure should contact the Dixie National Forest or view the following link: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4794/31098/.

For further information please follow the Dixie National Forest on Facebook, Twitter, and InciWeb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4794/. Residents may also sign up for Everbridge to receive notifications from the Washington County Emergency Alert System by http://911register.com/. Those experiencing problems with online registration may call (435) 634-5734 for assistance.