SALT LAKE CITY — Hot weather and gusty winds have worked together to fuel a series of fires across the Beehive State. Currently, three fires have burned nearly 19,000 acres with little to no containment.
Forsyth Fire:
People in the southern Utah community of Pine Valley are still under a mandatory evacuation order due to the Forsyth Fire. The fire is burning about three and a half miles south of Pine Valley in the Dixie National Forest.
Currently, the fire is estimated to have burned 1,647 acres and is 0% contained. FEMA officials on Friday morning authorized the use of federal funds to help with the costs of fighting the Forsyth Fire.
At least 14 homes in the Pine Valley area have been destroyed.
France Canyon Fire:
The France Canyon Fire broke out on June 11 just west of Bryce Canyon National Park. As of Saturday, it is estimated at 15,756 acres with 10 percent containment.
Bridge Creek Fire:
The Bridge Creek Fire has burned 1,502 acres on Navajo Mountain and is burning about five miles from Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Crews are working to confine the fire within identified landmarks and protect communication towers.
Aircraft will be using Lake Powell to refill buckets and tanks to aid in the firefighting effort. Due to the operation, boaters are asked to remain towards the south wall of the canyon and to avoid Oak Bay.
As of Saturday, this fire is 0% contained.
