Castle Fire Remains Uncontained as Crews Prepare for Gusty, Hot Conditions

TILLER, Ore. - Firefighters continue working to establish containment lines around the Castle Fire as hot, dry and gusty conditions raise concerns about increased fire activity northeast of Tiller.

The lightning-caused fire began July 22 and is burning approximately 23 miles northeast of Tiller. The July 28 update lists the fire at 1,550 acres, based on the latest size estimate dated July 25. Containment remains at 0%.

A total of 435 personnel are assigned to the fire, including hand crews, engines, water tenders, dozers and other heavy equipment. Additional resources have also been requested.

Moderate to active fire behavior has been observed, including backing and flanking fire with the potential for short-range spotting. Crews are constructing and improving containment lines while preparing nearby roads by removing understory vegetation and hazardous trees.

Near-critical fire weather conditions are expected over the next 24 hours. Gusty afternoon winds, combined with hot and dry weather, could challenge suppression efforts and increase the potential for fire growth.

There are currently no evacuation orders or evacuation warnings associated with the fire. No highway closures have been reported.

Forest Roads and Recreation Areas Closed

The Umpqua National Forest has implemented Closure Order #06-15-02-26-01 to protect the public and firefighters during suppression operations.

The closure includes National Forest System lands, roads and trails around Little Black Rock and Castle Creek. Roads affected include:

• National Forest Service Road 28 from the junction of NFSR 2823 to French Junction
• NFSR 2800-400
• NFSR 2823
• NFSR 2830

South Umpqua Falls Campground and the South Umpqua Falls Day Use Area are also closed.

The closure order and map are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umpqua/alerts/castle-fire-closure

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect

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

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

Additional information about the restrictions is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umpqua/alerts/public-use-restrictions-stage-2

California Incident Management Team 3 is managing the fire alongside an Australia and New Zealand International Incident Management Team. Cooperating agencies include the Umpqua National Forest, Douglas Forest Protective Association, Douglas County Public Works, Tiller Volunteer Fire Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

Fire information is available by calling 541-827-2603 or emailing 2026.castle@firenet.gov