Firefighters complete line around active portion of Board Mountain spot fire, progress continues today
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Overnight, firefighters on the East Evans Creek Fire continued to make steady progress across the incident. Crews pushed mop-up operations deeper into the fire’s interior and strengthened control lines. Extensive structure preparation and protection measures have been completed around threatened communities.
Resources on the Board Mountain spot fire strengthened existing control lines, including the southwestern edge where the fire crossed the fireline late yesterday. Overnight, crews focused on the southern portion of the fire south of Boswell Mountain to reinforce the perimeter and limit additional spread. Operations today will continue to surge on the southern portion of the Board Mountain spot fire, focusing on improving the line, mop-up and felling trees to reduce overhead hazards. Structural resources remain positioned near homes in the Antioch, Jones Road, and Pomeroy areas, as well as in the Shady Cove, Trail, Long Branch, and Dry Creek communities, as part of a proactive structure protection strategy while supporting wildland operations. Structural resources bolstered suppression efforts and patrolled areas near homes, checking for hot spots.
Across the main fire, control lines held, and firefighters remained vigilant as dry vegetation and persistent heat continues to support elevated spotting potential. Crews also held the Canyon Creek spot fire within its existing footprint overnight and continued working adjacent to the fireline to secure the perimeter on the spot fire northwest of Hull Mountain. Firefighters will continue extending hose lays to support deeper mop-up operations, while structural crews maintain a presence in the Ramsey Canyon Road area and continue providing high-capacity pump support to increase water delivery for wildland operations. Crews today will again be available for repositioning to bolster other areas of the fire or to support initial attack with local agencies. Structure protection resources remain in place in the Shady Cove, Trail, Canyon Road, Dry Creek, and other nearby areas holding the lines.
An incident meteorologist is on scene monitoring conditions including cloud cover, which can delay the lift of the inversion. Although morning temperatures are cooler and isolated showers have been observed, winds are expected to pick up again in the afternoon, and temperatures may reach the mid- to high-90s. Dry fuels, steep terrain, and shifting winds remain factors that could challenge containment efforts later in the day, and spotting potential continues to be elevated. With strengthened lines, overnight cooling, and coordinated support across the incident, firefighters enter the day positioned to build on yesterday’s progress while remaining alert to potentially increased fire activity as conditions shift.
Aircraft today will work with ground resources to address hot spots and support firefighters as they work to tighten the southeast side of the Board Mountain spot fire, where crews and initial dozer line stopped forward movement overnight. Structural tenders will continue supporting water delivery to helicopter dip sites, as needed, to sustain aerial suppression operations.
Evacuations: There are evacuations in place in both Jackson and Douglas counties, issued by both counties’ Sheriff’s Offices and Emergency Management. Up-to-date evacuations are available here: https://readyjacksonco.com/Emergency/emergency-information-hub-east-evans-creek-road-fire
Find your evacuation zone here: https://tinyurl.com/EastEvansCreekFireEvacMap
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.
Smoke Impacts: Smoke from the East Evans Creek Fire may settle into valleys and other low-lying areas, reducing visibility and impacting air quality in nearby communities. Smoke conditions can change throughout the day as winds shift. Individuals sensitive to smoke should take appropriate precautions. For current air quality information and smoke forecasts, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/.
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 10th 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.