Saddle Fire Update-July 9, 2016

For Immediate Release

July 9, 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 is 2,242 acres and 42 percent contained.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) continue to be a problem on the Saddle Fire. Last night around 7:00pm, air operations were grounded when a drone was sighted inside the Temporary Flight Restriction area over the fire. Shutting down air operations not only affects our suppression efforts but also prevents us from responding to possible injured firefighters on the line. If you fly, we can’t and the safety of our firefighters is greatly affected.

Ignitions in Forsyth Canyon for the planned burn out were completed yesterday. The surrounding communities can expect to see continued fire activity and smoke impacts as unburned islands of vegetation are consumed. Natural barriers on the main ridge south of Pine Valley and the 2005 Dammeron fire scar continue to prevent fire spread to the south.

The direct and indirect control lines around the north and west portions of the fire continue to prevent spread into the Pine Valley community.  These operations improved the already existing and new sections of the fuel break around the community and the Pine Valley Recreation Area. Fireline personnel are mopping up contained areas of the fire. Repair efforts have begun in places no longer affected by the fire.

There are 244 personnel assigned consisting of fire engines, heavy equipment and aircraft.  

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.

The Pine Valley Recreation Area in the Dixie National Forest remains closed to public until safety concerns are mitigated. 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/.

The lighting caused Saddle Fire began June 13 on Saddle Mountain approximately two miles south of Pine Valley, Utah.

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.