UPDATE: August 8, 2025 10:10 p.m.
The Castle Rock Fire remained at 58 acres on Friday, with crews reaching 99% containment by the end of their shift. A total of 150 personnel were on scene, searching for and destroying remaining heat within the burn area.
According to the Northeast Washington Interagency Management Team, operations will be returned to the control of local fire jurisdiction on Saturday, and local crews will continue patrolling the fire to ensure mop-up efforts are completed.
Smoke will remain visible in the area, officials stated, and the public has been urged to avoid the area through this weekend due to hazards including fire-weakened trees and burned out tree stump holes.
UPDATE: August 7, 2025 12:35 p.m.
Fire crews are working on grid and mop up operations at the now-58-acre Castle Rock Fire at Castle Rock Mountain. The fire is about two miles east of Arden and originally advanced quickly because of the thick vegetation and rugged terrain.
According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, crews gained ground yesterday mopping up while they continued grid operations. On the southeast flank, crews entered the final stage of their 100-foot grid, which means aiming for no heat within 100 feet of the perimeter. The southwest flank crews have completed 150 feet of their own 200-foot grid goal.
Today, firefighters are continuing grid and mop-up operations while crews shore up remaining hotspots, mitigate latter fuel reduction and remaining hazards near the fire perimeter. As things start to wrap up, crews will start to decommission hose lines and supply equipment to return the fire over to the local district.
ARDEN, Wash. – The Castle Rock Fire, located on Castle Rock Mountain about two miles east of Arden in Stevens County, is now 20% contained, up from zero.
The 56 acre fire, caused by lightning, has been challenging due to thick vegetation and rugged terrain, according to a release by Northeast Washington Fire Information.
Crews began cleanout operations at 2:30 p.m. yesterday, which increased smoke visibility in nearby communities.
Night crews reinforced containment and hose lines along the northeastern flank, monitoring the interior cleanout for risk assessment.
Today, efforts continue as crews mop up and secure fire lines.
There are no evacuations or closures currently in effect.
Original article posted August 3, 2025 4:12 p.m.
