Castle Fire Reaches 87% Containment as Crews Continue Mop-Up

TILLER, Ore. - Firefighters are continuing mop-up and rehabilitation work on the Castle Fire northeast of Tiller as containment climbs to 87%.

As of Thursday, Aug. 13, the lightning-caused fire is estimated at 3,613 acres, according to fire officials. A total of 388 personnel remain assigned to the incident, which is being managed for full suppression.

The Castle Fire started July 22 about 23 miles northeast of Tiller.

Crews on Thursday are continuing to search for and extinguish remaining heat sources while patrolling the fire area. Rehabilitation work is also underway along portions of the fireline, along with chipping operations and the removal of equipment that is no longer needed.

The Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Keith Fields, is managing the fire.

Weather Expected to Remain Relatively Favorable

Temperatures are expected to remain near normal for this time of year, with daytime relative humidity between about 25% and 35%.

Winds are expected to follow a typical daily pattern, with light downslope and down-valley winds overnight followed by breezier upslope and up-valley winds during the afternoon. Ridgetops could see breezy west to northwest winds.

Thunderstorm chances are expected to remain low through the weekend as most moisture and instability remain east of the fire area. However, officials said an isolated thunderstorm cannot be completely ruled out.

Expanded Forest Closure Remains in Place

The Umpqua National Forest has expanded its closure around the Castle Fire to protect the public and provide firefighters with a safe area to continue suppression work.

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 closure area.

Roads affected include Forest Service Roads 28, 27 and 2781.

The closure will remain in effect until conditions allow areas to reopen. A closure map and additional information are available through the Umpqua National Forest.

Recreation sites within the closure include:

• 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

There are currently no highway closures associated with the fire.

Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect

The Umpqua National Forest remains at Very High fire danger with Stage 2 Public Use Restrictions in effect across the forest.

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

A detailed smoke outlook for the Castle Fire area is available at:
https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/6c74f4c6

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 interests.

For Castle Fire information, the public can call 541-827-2603 or email 2026.castle@firenet.gov.