W.R. Castle Fire-Rescue

03/29/2026

Today at 5:44pm we were dispatched to a brush fire on Shady Lane. Engine 1, Tanker 1, and eight firefighters responded, along with the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Remember that it is NEVER legal to burn trash, no matter the weather.

03/29/2026

Very low humidity, combined with gusty southwest winds and dry fuels will result in High Fire Danger between 10 am and around sunset today.

03/28/2026

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston WV
1005 AM EDT Sat Mar 28 2026

Carter-Boyd-Lawrence- Including the cities of Grayson, Grayson Lake State Park, Carter Caves State Park, Olive Hill, Ashland, Cannonsburg, Louisa, and Yatesville Lake State Park 1005 AM EDT Sat Mar 28 2026
..ELEVATED FIRE DANGER THROUGH THIS EVENING...

Low to very low humidities and dry fuels will combine to result in elevated fire danger through this evening. Humidities will recover an hour or two after sunset, alleviating the threat tonight.

Remember, Kentucky regulations make it illegal to burn between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM within 150 feet of a woodland or brushland during the Spring Forest Fire Season that runs until April 30th.

03/27/2026

W.R. Castle FD responded to an out-of-control illegal fire in the Little Mud Lick area.

The response involved W.R. Castle FD, Ky Division of Forestry, and Johnson County Sheriff's Office.

03/25/2026

We invite fire departments, fire service organizations, and the community to participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. You can begin by setting a date(s) for your Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters tribute, anytime between April 26 - May 3, 2026.
Don't forget to share your photos with us by signing up here: https://weekend.firehero.org/events/memorial-weekend/light-night-fallen-firefighters/sign-up/ and tagging us using or emailing us at [email protected]
Visit our website for more information: https://weekend.firehero.org/events/memorial-weekend/light-night-fallen-firefighters/

03/17/2026

Whether you're interested in a career in the fire service, health care, or law enforcement, or if you just want to serve the community, this is a great opportunity. We operate four stations with top-notch equipment and training.

Join our team!

03/16/2026

03/15/2026

A longtime member of Thealka Fire Department, after the merger with W.R. Castle Fire-Rescue, he still attended drills when his health allowed. He will always be remembered 1006 no matter what department he was on. 

Prayers for the family

Gilbert Fredric Storey Jr., age 78, of Thealka, Kentucky, passed away Friday March 13, 2026, at Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center. Mr. Storey, was born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee on November 21, 1946 to the late Gilbert F. and Velma L. Coates Storey, Sr. Mr. Storey, was a member

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR STRONG AND GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF EASTERN KENTUCKY...

The National Weather Service in Jackson has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect until 7 PM EDT this evening.

* WIND...Southwest winds 10 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 to 50 mph. The strongest winds will occur north of the Mountain Parkway.

* HUMIDITY...Relative humidity values will bottom out in the 20 to 30 percent range for most locations.

* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Remember that Kentucky regulations make it illegal to burn between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland during the Spring Forest Fire Season.