Castle Fire Grows to 1,500 Acres as Management Team Takes Command

The lightning-caused Castle Fire burning in the Umpqua National Forest has grown to an estimated 1,500 acres as firefighters continue working in steep and challenging terrain.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 3, integrated with an international incident management team, is scheduled to assume command of the fire at 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 28.

Moderate temperatures have helped improve overnight humidity recovery and slow fire growth during the morning hours. Fire officials said crews are using strategies designed to provide the greatest chance of success while reducing risks to firefighters working in the rugged landscape.

Firefighters and heavy equipment operators continue strengthening direct and indirect containment lines in locations where those lines can be safely defended and are most likely to hold.

The Umpqua National Forest has issued a closure order for areas surrounding the fire, including the Little Black Rock and Castle Creek areas. South Umpqua Falls Campground and Day Use Area also remain closed.

The Castle Fire was one of several fires started by lightning that moved through the area on July 22. Forest officials said all of the other fires associated with that storm are now contained, controlled or out.

The forest remains at high fire danger with Stage 2 public-use restrictions in effect. Campfires are permitted only in Forest Service-constructed fire rings at designated recreation areas. Campfires remain prohibited in wilderness areas.

The Industrial Fire Precaution Level increased to Level 2 on Monday, July 27.

Officials are reminding visitors that campfires inside approved rings must be completely extinguished before leaving. Campers should drown the fire with water, stir the ashes and check that everything is cold to the touch.