He restored an old volunteer fire truck to keep the area wet during fire season.
"I knew this was going to be a bad summer for fire danger," he said.
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Stuck in a Colorado Springs hospital, Bishop expressed frustration at being unable to intervene.
"I'm at the mercy of those that have the power to change anything," he said.
He maintained hope for the landmark's survival, relying on faith that the castle would endure.
Bishop noted that rebuilding the intricate stone structure would be impossible under modern regulations. However, he emphasized that even in ruins, the castle would remain an awe-inspiring destination.
"I would do all I could to make sure that people had the opportunity to enjoy it, whatever is left of it," he pledged.
His sister, Donita Bishop, has been managing the castle's online presence from Gunnison during his recovery.
She said the family is relying on the trail camera to monitor the fire's proximity.
Community Impact
Local resident Kristy Shue described the emotional toll on agricultural families in Colorado City. "You watch the skies and pray that it doesn't get dark," she said.
"Someday, there won't be smoke in the air and devastation in our hearts."
She expressed concern for ranchers displaced by the fire, noting that agriculture sustains their way of life.
Joshua MacLeod highlighted the strong communication networks that helped neighbors assist each other during the emergency.
Other uncontained wildfires also expanded across Colorado on Friday, including the Ferris fire near Dolores at 33,428 acres, the Gold Mountain fire in Ouray County at 21,789 acres, and the Willow fire near Leadville at 2,541 acres.
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Fire crews in Mesa County achieved 95% containment on the 30,191-acre Snyder fire.
