July 31, 2026 4:00 a.m. 

The Castle Fire, burning on the Umpqua National Forest, is at 1,983 acres and 8 percent contained as of Thursday night.

An update from California Incident Management Team 3 said 455 personnel are working on the fire, which is burning 23 miles northeast of Tiller.

Officials say the fire is being managed for full suppression by implementing an indirect containment strategy that includes reinforcing containment lines and conducting firing operations. The use of firing operations allows containment lines to be built in easily reinforced locations and keeps firefighters out of the steepest, most hazardous terrain. The fire continues to burn downhill, mainly in the understory, with minimal torching. Crews are also scouting the best locations for continency fire lines.

Warm and breezy weather is expected with slightly warmer temperatures but lower windspeeds than Thursday.

The Umpqua National Forest Closure Order continues for lands, roads and trails in the area of the Castle Fire. The South Umpqua Falls Campground and South Umpqua Falls Day Use Areas both remain closed.

For the latest updates on the Castle Fire, go to its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592481664585]\