FREDONIA, Ariz., July 25, 2019 — The Castle Fire remains moderately active along the northeast perimeter of its predetermined planning area. Thunderstorms are having minimal effects on the area where firing operations are being used to enhance and widen the existing control lines. Portions of the Castle Fire have not received precipitation, which has led to favorable conditions for continuing burning operations. 

This wildfire is playing a vital role in functioning as a natural disturbance within the ecosystem by reducing excessive fuel (vegetation) accumulations that currently exist across the forest floor.

The lightning-caused wildfire was detected on July 12th and has grown to 910 acres. It remains active within a well-defined planning area. The Castle Fire is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon.

Yesterday, slightly cooler weather coupled with increased humidity moderated fire behavior slightly, however the fire grew an additional 50 acres in size. Firefighters utilized firing operations and equipment, including masticators and bulldozers to continue prep work around the entire perimeter of the planning area.

Fire managers expect the Castle Fire to remain active, even with the possibility of precipitation, as predicted over the next few days. The long-term forecast calls for dry weather to follow, which will likely cause the fire to regain momentum and continue to gradually spread throughout the planning area of 19,632 acres.

As an added safety measure for both public and firefighters, a temporary Closure Order is now in effect for the Castle Fire area:   https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure.

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location: Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
• Current Resources: Three crews, ten engines, a helicopter, a dozer, a chipper, two water tenders, four masticators, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel: approximately 180.  
• Current Size: About 910 acres within a 19,632-acre planning area.
• Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, and Fredonia. 
• Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews plan to continue improving roads and other designated perimeters within which the fire can move. Current weather conditions may influence the use of firing operations which may be conducted as needed in order to strengthen control lines.

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

• Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF 
• Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos