September 3, 2025 – Firefighters have made significant progress containing the Root Fire, which has reached 30% containment after an aggressive two-day attack on the blaze that started Monday.
The fire, now determined by Forest Service law enforcement to have been caused by an escaped campfire, has prompted evacuation orders and warnings across multiple zones in Shasta and Siskiyou counties, though no structures have been damaged or destroyed.
The 404 personnel assigned to the fire have employed direct attack strategies, constructing hand and dozer lines while being supported by hose lines and four water-dropping helicopters.
The fire poses a significant threat to the Castle Crags Wilderness, with flames now less than one mile from the protected area’s northern perimeter. Dozers are working to construct and improve containment lines on the northwest portion of the fire off the 39N44 Road, with hoselines being deployed to box in the blaze and prevent wilderness entry.
Firefighters face ongoing challenges from dry conditions that increase risks of spotting and torching. A “slop over” incident occurred when the fire pushed past a control line in the southeastern perimeter, but crews quickly surrounded the breach with dozer and hand lines.
Weather conditions continue to complicate firefighting efforts, with hot temperatures reaching the upper 80s to lower 90s, humidity dropping to the low 20s, and terrain-driven winds gusting up to 15 mph expected this afternoon. A slight chance of thunderstorms adds another variable to today’s operations.
Two “super scooper” aircraft and a helicopter from the Swift Complex Fire have been deployed to aid today’s firefighting efforts, supplementing the existing aerial resources.
Forest Service officials have closed Forest Service 25 Road (Castle Creek Road) at Castle Crag State Park and at the intersection of Forest Service 26 Road. Recreators are urged to stay away from trails and trailheads in the fire area.
Evacuation Orders Remain in Effect
Despite the containment progress, evacuation measures remain in place:
Evacuation Order:
- Shasta County – Zone CST-1070-B
Evacuation Warnings:
- Siskiyou County – SIS-6200, SIS-6203, SIS-6301
Residents can check current evacuation status at the official evacuation map: https://protect.genasys.com/search
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