Saddle Fire Update-July 12, 2016

For Immediate Release

July 12, 2016, 8:30 a.m.

Contact: Saddle Fire Information (435) 592-2323

Email: saddlefireinfo@gmail.com

Dixie National Forest - Saddle Fire Update

PINE VALLEY, Utah – The Saddle fire is 2,296 acres and 45 percent contained.

After consultation with the Forest Service and Fire officials, the Washington County Commission and the Sheriff will lift all evacuation orders in the Pine Valley area, effective July 12, 2016, at 0800 hours. Portions of the Pine Valley Wilderness area still remain closed to public access due to the fire and public safety concerns.

Fire personnel will still be in the area as they continue to monitor and strengthen control lines.  Residents and visitors coming to the area are asked to monitor fire activity, and use caution around working fire resources.

The Saddle Fire experienced minimal control problems yesterday. A warm, dry air mass has moved over the fire with no moisture in the forecast for this upcoming week. There will still be smoke in the area from fire activity within fire control lines south of Lloyd's Canyon. Smoke will remain visible for several days.

Crews are continuing to mop up and extinguish hot spots along accessible areas of the fire perimeter. Aircraft continues to keep the fire in accessible areas checked using fire retardant. Personnel continue to assess the need for structure protection in the community of Pine Valley.  

There is a Saddle Fire public meeting this evening, Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Pine Valley Fire Station, 680 East Main Street in Pine Valley.

There is still a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in the fire area. Non-cooperating aircraft is kept out of the fire area due to the nature of aerial fire management activities for both the safety of fire personnel and the public. This includes Unmanned Aircraft Systems or drones.

Under Utah Code 65A-3-2.5, it is illegal to fly drones in the state of Utah over a wildfire. Under U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 43 CFR 9212.1(f), it is a federal violation to interfere with firefighting efforts. We encourage the public to learn about Unmanned Aircraft System regulations and safe use of drones by visiting www.knowbeforeyoufly.org. If you fly, we can’t.

There are 218 personnel assigned. Resources include hand crews, fire engines, heavy equipment and aircraft.  

For further information please follow the Dixie National Forest on Facebook, Twitter, and InciWeb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4794/.