In June of 2025, the Pine Valley community faced one of its toughest challenges yet: the Forsyth Fire. Sparked by a lightning strike on June 9, the blaze erupted with full force on June 19 when high winds fanned the flames. Over the next several days, the fire consumed 15,662 acres, destroyed 14 homes and four outbuildings, and forced more than 400 residents to evacuate. Sadly, the beloved Pine Valley Recreation Area—including the campground and trails—was also badly burned and will remain closed for the rest of the 2025 season as crews focus on rehabilitation.
Even with these losses, the fire was met with remarkable courage. Firefighters worked tirelessly in dangerous, shifting winds to save homes. Neighbors checked in on each other. Families pulled together to help however they could. Though the scars of the fire are real, the resilience of Pine Valley shines even brighter.
My Story: Helping Neighbors During the Fire
Pine Valley isn’t just another community I work in, it’s a place I called home for 14 years. I have many friends and neighbors who live there today, and watching the fire threaten or destroy their homes was heartbreaking. Some of my past clients lost everything; others came frighteningly close.
I was also blessed with the opportunity to help a friend and former employer during the height of the fire. They had cattle in the valley—those iconic belted Galloways (the “Oreo cows” Pine Valley is famous for). With winds gusting 30–40 miles per hour, the fire was unpredictable, and they worried for the herd’s safety. My family and I went in to help evacuate the cattle. We loaded them up and moved them down to Dammeron Valley, away from the flames.
Driving through the valley was surreal. Smoke filled the air so thickly that it took nearly 30 minutes to cross from one side to the other. Near the fire station, crews were battling hard to keep the fire from jumping the road. We could see flames shooting into the air, and the bravery of those firefighters is something I won’t forget.
The next day, as the fire pushed through the campground and up Gardner Peak Trail, we became concerned about our own ranch in Grassy Flat/Gray’s Ranch. Out of precaution, we moved our cattle too. Thankfully, the fire never reached our property, but those days of watching and waiting were tense. For weeks afterward, Pine Valley Road was closed to locals only and required an escort, so I couldn’t return cattle to pasture right away.
Through it all, what struck me most was the strength of this community. Even while grieving, Pine Valley came together, supported one another, and refused to lose hope.
Community Support: Neighbors Serving Neighbors
One of the most moving parts of this experience was watching how our Pine Valley community rallied together not just for each other, but for the men and women on the front lines. For the first three days of the fire, firefighters had delays in getting their food supply. The word spread quickly, and the community responded with overwhelming generosity. Truckloads of food poured in sandwiches, pizzas, water, and other supplies—filling the entire Central Fire Station. Volunteers stepped up to organize and distribute the food, making sure crews on the fire lines had the fuel they needed to keep going.
The town of Enterprise became the fire camp, opening up the school and the city park to house firefighters. It was a blessing to see how willing the community was to provide, support, and show kindness during such a difficult time. Even small gestures meant a lot, community members decorated signs along Pine Valley Road and through Central with messages of encouragement and gratitude for the firefighters.
Moments like these remind me why living here is such a blessing. In southern Utah, neighbors don’t hesitate to step in and serve when there’s a need. People sacrifice their own time and resources to help others, whether that’s moving cattle, bringing food, or simply writing a thank-you sign for someone working through the night. The fire revealed just how strong, caring, and united our community really is.
Life After the Fire: Renewal and Recovery
Wildfires are devastating—but they also have a way of renewing the land. The Forsyth Fire cleared debris and created natural firebreaks that can make surrounding homes safer in the long run. In time, new vegetation and wildlife will return, and the forest will heal.
And while the recreation area is closed for the season, Pine Valley remains a beautiful, peaceful place. The reservoir still sparkles beneath the mountains. The Pine Valley Lodge, steakhouse, and local rentals continue to welcome visitors. Families still gather, neighbors still support one another, and the small-town charm remains as strong as ever.
Real Estate After the Forsyth Fire: Why Local Expertise Matters
As a realtor, moments like this remind me why being local matters. When the fire hit, my clients and neighbors needed more than just real estate advice. My phone was ringing constantly with clients who live out of the area calling wanting updates on the fire and to know if their homes had burned. Living in the community I was able to give them updates when they couldn’t get through to anyone else. Clients also needed someone who understands the risks, insurance challenges, and the community itself. After the fire, a moratorium on home insurance policies created hurdles for families trying to buy or sell in Pine Valley, Utah. Helping clients navigate those challenges and connecting them with the right people is something I take seriously.
Living and working here has given me deep roots in this community, and I’m committed to helping it rebuild and thrive. Whether you’re looking to move into the Pine Valley community or need to transition out, my goal is to make the process seamless, less stressful, and ultimately more rewarding.
Looking Toward the Future of the Pine Valley Community
The Forsyth Fire was a chapter of loss in Pine Valley’s history, but it is not the whole story. This is still a place of peace, beauty, and resilience. The forest will recover, the campground will reopen, and the community will continue to flourish.
For me, Pine Valley is more than just a market, it’s home. And I’m proud to walk alongside my neighbors, clients, and friends as we build our future together.
– Matt