Castle Fire Reaches 30% Containment as Expanded Forest Closure Takes Effect

TILLER, Ore. - Firefighters have increased containment on the Castle Fire to 30% as crews prepare for hotter, drier conditions expected throughout the week.

The lightning-caused fire, burning approximately 23 miles northeast of Tiller, was estimated at 2,758 acres Tuesday. A total of 696 personnel remain assigned to the incident, which is being managed for full suppression.

Firefighters are continuing firing operations along the northern and southeastern portions of the fire to strengthen containment lines ahead of the forecast warming trend. Crews are also conducting mop-up work and patrols along the northwest and southwest sections of the fire perimeter.

Fire officials said backing and flanking fire behavior continues within the perimeter, along with vigorous torching of small trees.

A spot fire outside the main perimeter remains at approximately two acres. Firefighters have surrounded it with a fire line and hose, and no additional spot fires have been detected.

Hotter and Drier Weather Expected

A thermal trough over the region is expected to bring a significant warming trend that will continue through the week.

High temperatures and critically low afternoon humidity could increase fire activity and create more challenging conditions for crews working along the fire perimeter.

Umpqua National Forest Expands Closure

The Umpqua National Forest has expanded its emergency closure to protect the public and provide firefighters with a safe working environment.

Closure Order No. 06-15-02-26-02 replaces the previous closure order and closes all National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the designated area. The closure will remain in place until conditions allow the area to safely reopen.

Roads affected by the closure include Forest Service roads 28, 27 and 2781.

Popular recreation areas included in the closure are:

• South Umpqua Falls Day Use Area
• South Umpqua Falls Campground
• Buckhead Campground
• Camp Comfort Campground
• Castle Creek Trailhead
• Beaver Swamp Trailhead
• Lakes Trailhead
• Fish Lake Trailhead
• Skimmerhorn Trailhead
• Fish Lake
• Whitehorse Meadows Trailhead
• Acker Divide Trailhead
• Happy Camp Trailhead

A closure map and additional information are available through the Umpqua National Forest.

There are currently no highway closures associated with the Castle Fire.

Fire Restrictions Remain in Place

The Umpqua National Forest remains at High Fire Danger, with Stage 2 Public Use Restrictions in effect across the entire forest.

Campfires are prohibited in wilderness areas, and public firewood cutting involving an internal combustion engine is restricted. Campfires are still allowed inside Forest Service-constructed concrete or metal fire rings at designated developed recreation sites.

The Castle Fire started July 22 and was caused by lightning.

California Interagency Management Team 3 is overseeing the fire under Incident Commander Oscar Vargas and Incident Commander Trainee Jason Wingard. An Australian and New Zealand Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Martin Siemsen is also assisting.

Cooperating agencies include the Douglas Forest Protective Association, Douglas County Public Works, Tiller Rural Fire Protection District, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and private timber operators.

For additional fire information, call 541-827-2603 or email 2026.castle@firenet.gov.