UPDATE: 9:12 p.m. Thursday — “The fire is backing down the ridge toward Pine Valley near the Forsyth trailhead,” according to Washington County Public Safety officials.
ST. GEORGE — After lifting a mandatory evacuation order earlier Thursday for Pine Valley residents who live in the Lloyd Canyon area, officials Thursday evening are encouraging all residents and visitors in the Pine Valley area to prepare to leave again due to increased fire activity.
“Public Safety officials are encouraging residents and visitors to voluntarily evacuate at this time,” according to a statement issued by the U.S. Forest Service – Dixie National Forest at approximately 6:21 p.m. Thursday.
A reception center is being set up at the Central Fire Station located at 155 E. Center Street, officials said.
A community meeting expected to provide Saddle Fire information at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Pine Valley Fire Station was moved by fire managers and public safety officials to the Central Fire Station.
Although the mandatory evacuation order had been lifted Thursday, officials are now asking that people voluntarily avoid the area.
The lightning-caused Saddle Fire is located on Saddle Mountain in the Pine Valley Wilderness of the Dixie National Forest approximately 2 miles south of the Pine Valley community.
The fire has now increased in size to an estimated 903 acres, fire officials said Thursday evening, and remains zero percent contained.
Area closures in and around the Pine Valley area remain in effect on the Dixie National Forest. The Pine Valley Recreation Area also remains closed to all uses.
READ MORE: National Incident Management team takes command of fire burning near Pine Valley
Resources
- InciWeb Saddle Fire information
- Information about areas closed on the Dixie National Forest can be found on the InciWeb Saddle Fire page
- Anyone with information regarding drones flying in the area of the Saddle Fire should contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 435-634-5734
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Twitter: @STGnews
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The person or persons flying the drones that suspended fire fighting efforts needs to be arrested, jailed, and fined. How much additional damage has been done because the fire has spread. Can’t law enforcement shoot the stupid thing out of the air? Especially when lives and property are at risk?
This makes me want to cry. That town is so beautiful.
Well there is a price for living in the trees. and fire is one of them