Saddle Fire Update-July 4, 2016

For Immediate Release

July 4, 2016, 9 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 is at 1,640 acres and remains at 42 percent contained.

Voluntary evacuations have been lifted for most of Pine Valley.  However, a portion of Lloyd Canyon remains under a voluntary evacuation. The areas are south on Lloyd Canyon Drive at the Mahogany Lane intersection and south on Oakridge Drive and Mahogany Lane.

A community meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 5 at 7 p.m. at the Pine Valley Fire Station, 680 East Main St. in Pine Valley, Utah.  The meeting will update the community on current fire operations.

Crews continue to use direct and indirect line construction around the perimeter of the fire where appropriate.  These operations remove fuels from the path of the fire to prevent the fire from spreading east toward the Pine Valley Recreation Area and south toward the Dammeron Valley area. Crews are also mopping up in some areas of the fire including the north and west perimeters to secure firelines.

Fuels south of the fire have dried out and firing operations may begin today.  Residences in the area may see an increase in smoke and fire activity. This operation will be in Forsyth Canyon area. Crews will use control lines and natural barriers on the main ridge south of Pine Valley and also utilize a 2005 fire scar to the south to box in the fire.

There are now 302 personnel, along with engines, heavy equipment and aircraft helping to suppress the fire.  

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Recreation Area in the Dixie National Forest remains under an indefinite area closure to all uses until the order is rescinded.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.