Saddle Fire Update- July 5, 2016

For Immediate Release

July 5, 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 1,647 acres and 42 percent contained.

Voluntary evacuations are still in place in Pine Valley south on Lloyd Canyon Drive at the Mahogany Lane intersection and south on Oakridge Drive and Mahogany Lane.

A community meeting will be tonight at 7 p.m. the Pine Valley Fire Station, 680 East Main St. in Pine Valley, Utah to update fire operations.

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

Fuels on the fire are drying out and firing operations will begin soon.  Residences in the area may see an increase in smoke and fire activity today. The firing 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 279 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. The fire started approximately two miles south 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Recreation Area in the Dixie National Forest remains under an indefinite area closure to all uses until the order is rescinded.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.