August 3, 2019
Exactly
24 hours after the East Evans Fire was initially reported, firefighters were
successful in completing a strong fire line around the entire perimeter,
achieving their main objective for the shift. Mop-up operations began on a
portion of the fire, and will continue into this evening. The fire remains an
estimated 300 acres tonight. Containment remains at 0%, however, crews will be
working toward beginning that process.
Predicted afternoon
winds did not impact fire activity as originally anticipated, but crews are
still keeping the conditions in mind while on the line tonight. Nightshift
crews will continue to strengthen existing lines, along with furthering the
mop-up process. Personnel on the fire remains at more than 200; resources include six 20-man crews, 10 engines, two
bulldozers, and five water tenders for tonight’s shift. Aircraft will continue
water drops until sundown. Safety remains a top priority.
The East Evans Fire was initially reported
as a structure fire at approximately 2 p.m. Friday. Crews arrived to a burning
structure and five acres of active fire. With hot temperatures and wind, it
spread to an estimated 300 acres within the first three hours. However,
aircraft and ground resources moved swiftly in the first five hours to gain the
upper hand.
Evacuations made by the Jackson County Sheriff’s
Office still stand. Deputies gave an immediate evacuation notice (LEVEL 3) to
11 residences in the area, and also made 18 door-to-door LEVEL 1 evacuation
notices in the area of East Evans Creek Road between the 18500-block and
Meadows Road (north side of the roadway). At this time, a Red Cross Shelter has
not been set up. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Updates on the East Evans Fire
can be found on our Facebook Page: @ODFSouthwest and our website:
www.swofire.com.
August 3, 2019
Crews
were able to continue making forward progress overnight on the East Evans Fire,
completing approximately 70% of the fire line. Located on East Evans Creek road
in Sams Valley, the fire is estimated to be around 300 acres. More than 200
personnel will be working on the fire today, with a goal of completing the fire
line and strengthening the perimeter.
Crews
continue to work to close the fire line. Four fallers will be on scene
today, taking down dangerous trees in and around the fire’s perimeter. Snags
and steep terrain are added risks to our crews. Overnight, one firefighter was
injured on the northeast side of the fire. The firefighter was transported by
air to a local hospital with serious injuries. Safety is our #1 priority and
crews will continue to mitigate risks and engage the fire as safe as possible.
Today, hot
temperatures and windy conditions will be additional challenges; fire activity
has the potential to increase in the afternoon, and aircraft will be focused
on any potential spread. A multitude
of resources will be on the fire today, including 10 20-man crews, 10 engines,
four tree fallers, four bulldozers, and six water tenders. Additionally, one
LAT, five SEATs, and a lead plane will begin making retardant drops as early as
the smoke lifts to bolster temporary and existing fire lines. Helicopters
available include five type ones, two type twos, and on type three; those
resources will also be making water drops throughout the day.
The East Evans Fire was initially reported
as a structure fire at approximately 2 p.m. Friday. Crews arrived to a burning
structure and five acres of active fire. With hot temperatures and wind, it
spread to an estimated 300 acres within the first three hours. However,
continuous retardant drops created a temporary fire line around the entire
perimeter, and significantly slowed the spread. By 7 p.m., crews had built on
the retardant line, and secured 10% with hand line.
Evacuations have been made by the Jackson County
Sheriff’s Office. Deputies gave an immediate evacuation notice (LEVEL 3) to 11
residences in the area. Deputies also made 18 door-to-door LEVEL 1 evacuation
notices in the area of East Evans Creek Road between the 18500-block and
Meadows Road (north side of the roadway). At this time, a Red Cross Shelter has
not been set up. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Updates on the East Evans Fire
can be found on our Facebook Page: @ODFSouthwest and our website:
www.swofire.com.
