Officials say the 188-acre Castle Fire is continuing to grow in the Kaibab National Forest due to optimum weather and fuel conditions for forest fires.
The fire, located in northern Arizona to the southeast of Big Springs near Castle Canyon, was noticed Monday June 15, according to spokeswoman Jacqueline C. Banks.
Banks said the Castle Fire has burned through the understory of the forest and destroyed various debris, which will help reduce the risk of future wildfires that could be much more detrimental to the forest’s health.
Fire personnel are planning to continue managing the fire and have been burning fuels along forest roads in an effort to help contain the fire and prevent further expansion.
Forest Roads 769 and 454 are being used as limiting boundaries of the northern, eastern and southern borders of the fire.
Banks said smoke is expected to be visible from Highway 67 and Fredonia, which is near the Arizona/Utah border, as the fire will most likely continue to grow at a constant pace over the next few days.
