Updated 10:10 a.m., Monday, July 27:
Firefighters made steady progress Sunday, reinforcing containment lines, conducting suppression repair and completing more than 300 feet of mop‑up adjacent to the fire perimeter in many areas. On the western side, crews continued removing hose and equipment no longer needed.
Overnight, firefighters took advantage of good overnight relative humidity recoveries to continue mop-up operations while an Unmanned Aircraft System with infrared capability mapped heat near the fireline to support today’s mop‑up efforts. Light interior smoke remains as pockets of unburned vegetation continue to smolder.
The fire is 15,580 acres and 66% contained.
At 6 a.m. on Monday, the Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1, led by Incident Commander Butch Galbraith, assumed command of the East Evans Creek Fire.
Monday’s weather will again elevate fire conditions, with mid‑ to upper‑80s temperatures and breezy winds. Firefighters will watch for changes and remain ready for any new starts.
Updated 11:25 a.m., Sunday, July 26:
On Saturday, firefighters continued making progress strengthening containment lines on the East Evans Creek Fire, with more than 200 feet of mop-up adjacent to the fire perimeter in many areas of the fire. On the western edge of the main fire, crews have begun to pull hose and equipment that is no longer needed for mop-up activities.
Firefighters remained vigilant overnight, patrolling the fire area for any signs of smoke. An Unmanned Aircraft System with infra-red capability mapped areas of heat adjacent to the fireline for firefighters to focus on today as they continue mop-up. Smoke continues to be visible in the interior as fire smolders and creeps in islands of unburned vegetation and fuels, with isolated torching in some places.
The fire is 15,580 acres and is 54% contained.
On Monday morning at 6 a.m., Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT), Incident Commander Dan Quinones, will transfer command of the fire to Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1, Incident Commander Butch Galbraith. ODF CIMT 1 will return home after 16 days on the incident to rest and get ready for future deployment as needed to support the statewide fire response.
Weather on Sunday will again bring elevated fire conditions with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s and breezy winds. Firefighters will watch for changes in fire behavior and be prepared for any new fire starts in the area.
Updated 8:35 a.m., Saturday, July 25:
Critical fire weather again tested firelines on the East Evans Creek Fire yesterday, with temperatures in the low 90s and humidity near 15%. Firefighters continued work securing and mopping up the fire perimeter. Smoke was visible yesterday; a mosaic burn pattern across the fire left islands of unburned fuels, which are expected to consume for some time. These areas are well inside the line and do not pose a threat to containment of the fire.
Improved accuracy in mapping, through field data collection, has reduced acreage for the incident to 15,580 acres with 46% containment.
Crews overnight continued work mopping up adjacent to the control line, gridding for hot spots or visible smoke. Tonight, night operations will transition to patrol status, as firefighters check for fire along the perimeter. This is indicative of the steady progress firefighters have made securing the fire.
Today, operations will continue to focus on increasing the depth of mop-up along the fire perimeter. As firefighters work along the fireline extinguishing heat, they are systematically checking the area to ensure the fire remains within the current footprint. Hazard trees are being felled along the fire’s edge and adjacent to roadways to reduce risks to firefighters and the public.
Seven helicopters are assigned to the incident, available to support ground resources for aerial reconnaissance and water drops. These aircraft, along with other resources from the fire, are available to support local agencies with any new fire starts.
Temperatures are in the upper 80s. Improved relative humidity and shifting winds are expected to create elevated fire conditions today. Receptive fuels along with the expected weather may result in rapid fire spread for any new ignitions.
Traffic is heavy along the roadways in the fire area as crews continue to patrol and mop-up the fire edge. Use caution when traveling the area around the fire.
Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 1 is transitioning command of the fire to a Florida Complex Incident Management Team on Monday at 6 a.m.
Updated 12:06 p.m., Friday, July 24:
Yesterday, firefighters continued to work deeper into the interior providing additional security to containment lines. Fire continues to creep and smolder in unburned fuels. However, much of this activity is well interior of the fireline. As crews continue to mop-up, with a goal of 300 feet from the perimeter, they are looking for smoke and feeling for heat to extinguish.
Overnight, Unmanned Aircraft Systems and handheld infrared cameras were used to identify hot spots for day resources to address. Resources from the night shift are transitioning to day shift as work moves further into the interior. This provides for improved safety and better ability to detect areas of heat. Hazard trees are being felled to reduce overhead risks in areas where crews are working to mop-up the within the perimeter.
The fire remains at 15,705 acres, with containment increasing to 38% yesterday, prompting the Jackson County Sheriff to downgrade evacuation levels because of continued progress. Crews are still working near residences, and fire traffic is heavy along the roadways. Use caution when entering the fire area.
As containment increases, some resources are shifting to repair work and back haul of equipment and firehose from the fireline. Bull dozers and excavators are being used to flatten berms created during line construction and eliminate areas where water can pool. They will also be installing water bars on control lines to divert run-off during rainy periods, mitigating soil erosion and impacts to water quality.
Aircraft remain available to support ground resources for aerial reconnaissance and water drops. Tankers are available as needed.
Today will be a critical fire weather day with temperatures in the low 90’s, low relative humidity and breezy, westerly winds. This weather, combined with extremely dry fuels, has the potential for rapid fire spread. A local red flag warning is in effect from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. for increased risk of new fire starts. Resources from the East Evans Creek Fire are available to support local agencies with these new starts.
Road/Land Closures: Traffic is closed to the public on East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road. The BLM has issued a road closure for West Fork Evans Creek Road and Rock Creek Road. Please avoid the fire area to allow firefighters and heavy equipment to operate safely. Road closure information is available on https://tripcheck.com/
A closure order for BLM-administered lands near the East Evans Creek Fire is in place. Public entry, including hunting, hiking and camping, is prohibited. More information about the closure, including a map, is available online at www.blm.gov/orwafire.
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place for the fire area daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_6_4915.
Flying a drone near or around a wildfire is illegal, compromises the safety of both pilots and firefighters, and interferes with firefighting efforts.
Cause: The fire started on Friday, July 10 at 2:41 p.m. after a car crashed into a power pole, sparking dry vegetation in the area. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
Updated 12:13 p.m., Wednesday, July 22:
Firefighters made significant progress overnight on the East Evans Creek Fire, increasing containment to 26% while holding the fire at 15,705 acres with no new growth reported. Crews spent the night extinguishing hot spots along the fire's perimeter and around several spot fires, using infrared equipment to locate lingering heat.
With the threat to homes significantly reduced, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has scaled back the number of structural task forces assigned to the fire. Remaining crews will continue patrolling neighborhoods, strengthening mop-up efforts around homes and providing structure protection where needed.
Some wildland firefighters who had been working overnight are shifting to day operations ahead of expected thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday for abundant lightning on dry fuels across much of Jackson County. Officials said thunderstorms could bring wind gusts up to 45 mph, potentially testing containment lines and sparking new fires.
The American Red Cross shelter at Eagle Point Middle School is no longer accepting new evacuees as evacuation levels continue to decrease. People needing shelter should contact Jackson County non-emergency dispatch at (541) 776‑7206.
Updated 9:37 a.m. Monday, July 20:
Firefighters made steady progress overnight on the East Evans Creek Fire, strengthening fire lines and protecting homes while holding several of the fire's most active areas in place.
The fire has grown to 15,015 acres and is now 8% contained, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District.
Crews completed a line around the active portion of the Board Mountain spot fire and kept the Canyon Creek spot fire within its existing footprint overnight.
Firefighters expect another hot afternoon, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and gusty winds that could increase fire activity.
Evacuations remain in effect in parts of Jackson and Douglas counties.
Residents can check the latest evacuation information on the Jackson County Emergency Information Hub and find their evacuation zone using the Jackson County evacuation map.
Smoke is expected to continue affecting air quality in nearby communities. Current conditions are available on the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
Updated 10:23 a.m., Friday:
Firefighters made progress overnight on several parts of the East Evans Creek Fire, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District. Crews completed fire lines around the Canyon Creek spot fire and strengthened lines near Ramsey Creek and Board Mountain.
Even so, the fire has grown to 13,090 acres and remains 5% contained.
Spot fires sparked by blowing embers continue to challenge firefighters, especially north of Spignet Butte and southwest of Boswell Mountain. Cooler overnight temperatures helped crews strengthen fire lines, but warmer, drier weather and gusty winds are expected to return later today.
Nearly 2,000 firefighters are now assigned to the fire.
Evacuations remain in effect in parts of Jackson and Douglas counties.
Residents can find the latest evacuation information at the Jackson County Emergency Information Hub or check their evacuation zone using the Jackson County evacuation map.
Smoke is expected to continue affecting air quality in nearby communities. Current conditions are available on the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
Updated 10:45 a.m. Thursday: The East Evans Creek Fire grew to 11,551 acres overnight as firefighters worked to slow several new spot fires and keep the main fire from spreading beyond existing lines.
One new spot fire burned east from Board Mountain toward Canyon Creek, while another crossed East Evans Creek Road near Hull Mountain, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District.
The fire remains 5% contained.
Four additional strike teams are arriving to help protect homes in the Ramsey Creek, Trail and Shady Cove areas.
Cooler temperatures and lighter winds are expected Thursday, giving firefighters a better chance to strengthen containment before hotter, windier weather returns Friday.
Evacuation orders have expanded, and the evacuation shelter has moved to Eagle Point Middle School.
Residents can check the latest evacuation information using the Jackson County evacuation map and current smoke conditions at AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
Updated 11:18, Wednesday:
The East Evans Creek Fire grew to 7,843 acres overnight as firefighters battled new spot fires sparked during Tuesday's hot, windy conditions, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District.
One of the largest spot fires, on Board Mountain, has grown to about 1,000 acres, and crews have shifted additional firefighters, engines and heavy equipment there to slow its spread. The fire remains 5% contained.
Firefighters expect another difficult afternoon, with hot, dry weather and gusty winds likely to increase fire activity.
Evacuation zone JAC-124 now under a Level 3 "Go Now" order.
A community meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Shady Cove School gym and will also be streamed on on the district's Facebook page.
Updated 11:22 a.m. Monday:
The East Evans Creek Fire grew by more than 1,700 acres to 5,370 acres after another day of hot, windy weather.
Firefighters spent the night strengthening fire lines, cooling hot spots and protecting homes near East Evans Creek Road and Morrison Creek, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District.
The fire remains 5% contained.
Crews are working to reach and contain several spot fires outside the fire's northeastern edge while preparing for another difficult day of high temperatures, gusty winds and the chance of isolated thunderstorms.
A Level 3 evacuation area has expanded to include evacuation zone JAC-124.
Updated 10:56 a.m. Monday:
Officials said firefighters made more progress overnight on the East Evans Creek Fire as the size grew to 3,628 acres after Sunday's windy conditions fueled more burning within the fire's existing boundaries, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District.
Crews spent the night strengthening fire lines, protecting homes and putting out hot spots near neighborhoods. The fire remains 5% contained.
Officials said firefighters held the lines they built around the fire, even as it continued burning in steep, hard-to-reach terrain on the northwest side.
Hot, unstable weather could bring gusty winds and thunderstorms Monday, raising the risk of new fires. Evacuation levels remain unchanged.
Updated 9:49 p.m., Sunday:
The East Evans Creek Fire is now 5% contained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The latest fire perimeter uploaded to NIFC puts the fire at 3,153.9 acres, though firefighters said overnight work helped keep the blaze from making significant runs despite gusty winds and active fire behavior Saturday evening.
Crews continue strengthening fire lines and protecting homes ahead of another day of strong winds, with gusts up to 30 mph forecast Sunday afternoon. Evacuation levels remain unchanged.
Updated, 10:09 a.m., Sunday:
The East Evans Creek Fire remained at an estimated 2,656 acres Sunday morning as firefighters continued strengthening fire lines ahead of another day of critical fire weather.
Fire officials said crews made progress overnight reinforcing containment lines on the southern edge of the fire, and coordinated ground and air operations prevented significant growth despite gusty winds Saturday evening.
Winds of up to 30 mph are expected Sunday afternoon, with elevated fire danger continuing into early next week and a chance of thunderstorms Monday.
Evacuation levels remain unchanged, and structural firefighters continue working to protect homes and critical infrastructure near the fire.
Updated 10:01 p.m., Saturday:
The East Evans Creek Fire has grown to an estimated 2,656 acres, though firefighters said they made progress Saturday as containment lines built overnight held and crews limited the fire's growth. More than 400 firefighters continue working to build and strengthen fire lines while protecting homes near the fire's edge. Evacuation levels remain unchanged, with Level 3 (Go Now), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 1 (Be Ready) notices still in effect.
State wildfire and structural firefighting teams assumed unified command of the incident Saturday evening, bringing additional personnel and resources to the response. Gov. Tina Kotek also invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, allowing the Oregon State Fire Marshal to deploy additional structural firefighting resources to protect homes and other buildings threatened by the fire.
Firefighters are preparing for several more days of hot, dry and windy weather, with the potential for lightning that could increase fire activity or spark new fires.
Officials also said the fire started Friday after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.
Update, 3:03 p.m., Saturday:
The East Evans Creek Fire near Rogue River has grown to about 2,000 acres, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.
More than 400 firefighters are assigned to the fire as crews work in steep terrain under another day of hot, dry and breezy weather. All evacuation levels remain in effect, and road closures have expanded to include Antioch Road at the 8-mile marker in addition to East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road.
An evacuation shelter remains open at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill, while livestock shelter is available at the Jackson County Expo for horses and the Josephine County Fairgrounds for other livestock.
The Oregon Department of Forestry's Incident Management Team 1 is scheduled to assume command of the fire Saturday evening.
Update, 5:25 a.m., Saturday:
The Jackson Counthy Sheriff's Office told JPR the Level 3 evacuation order remained in effect.
Original story:
The East Evans Creek Road Fire northeast of Rogue River grew rapidly Friday evening to more than 1,500 acres, prompting evacuations as firefighters worked to slow its spread under extreme fire conditions.
The fire was first reported Friday afternoon as a 10- to 15-acre grass fire along East Evans Creek Road and quickly expanded.
The fire is estimated at 1,552 acres, based on the latest fire perimeter uploaded to the National Interagency Fire Center.
The Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District said firefighters were able to catch the first two spot fires, but a third spot fire contributed to the fire's rapid growth. The fire is also burning into the footprint of the East Evans Fire, where steep terrain and additional spot fires have complicated suppression efforts.
Smoke has also limited aircraft operations in parts of the fire area.
ODF said additional resources have been ordered, and Incident Management Team 1 will assume command to support the response.
Multiple evacuation levels remain in effect. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation order for the area near Antioch and East Evans Creek Road. Nearby areas remain under Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices.
An evacuation shelter for people and domestic pets has opened at Hanby Middle School, 806 Sixth Ave. in Gold Hill.
Firefighters are contending with extreme heat, low humidity and steep terrain as they work to slow the fire's spread. ODF said more updates will be released as conditions change.
