Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
PINE VALLEY, Utah (June 28, 2025) — Trained disaster volunteers from the American Red Cross of Utah will be in Pine Valley Saturday morning to assist residents returning home after last week’s evacuation caused by the Forsyth Fire in Washington County. Volunteers will offer Red Cross services to those whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
“Wildfires don’t discriminate, and no community is immune to the devastating impact of a fast-moving fire,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Hot, dry conditions combined with strong winds can turn a small spark into a disaster. Preparing ahead of time and following evacuation orders can save lives.”
Red Cross volunteers will be available to speak with residents whose homes were affected, offering financial assistance, help with replacing medications or medical equipment and guidance through the recovery process. They will also connect victims with community resources to help address long-term needs.
Pine Valley Residents Begin Recovery
The Forsyth Fire, sparked by lightning, devastated the Pine Valley area, destroying 13 homes and five additional structures. Residents of Pine Valley, along with those in Grass Valley, Gray’s Ranch and Grassy Flats, were evacuated as the fire spread rapidly through southern Utah.
Firefighters began battling the blaze on June 20, focusing on protecting nearby communities. However, hot, dry and windy conditions fueled the fire’s rapid growth. By Saturday morning, the fire had scorched more than 11,000 acres and was about 22% contained.
Growing Need for Disaster Preparedness
Last year, the U.S. experienced 27 weather and climate disasters with damages exceeding $1 billion each, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This followed a record 28 billion-dollar disasters in 2023. The increasing frequency and intensity of weather events underscore the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and response efforts.
For decades, Red Cross volunteers have been on the front lines of disaster relief, providing shelter, meals and emergency assistance to communities devastated by hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other emergencies. While the U.S. averaged eight major disasters per year from 1980 to 2022, the recent surge in extreme weather events highlights the need for continued support and readiness.
Join the Red Cross Team
Red Cross disaster volunteers receive training to respond to local emergencies like home fires, providing critical immediate support on-site or remotely. With additional experience and training, volunteers can also deploy to larger emergencies nationwide. Visit redcross.org/DAT to learn more about disaster response opportunities.
Every day, Red Cross volunteers make a difference in their communities. From supporting disaster victims to donating blood to teaching lifesaving skills, they play vital roles in helping others. Explore volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/volunteer.
How You Can Help
Support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts today. Your contributions help prepare for, respond to and assist in recovery from disasters of all sizes. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
