Steady Progress Leads to Increased Containment and Reduced Evacuations
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Firefighters on the East Evans Creek Fire increased containment to 26% today. Continued progress on the fire has allowed evacuation levels to be reduced in portions of Jackson County, while all evacuation notices have been lifted in Douglas County.
Today, aircraft supported operations along the southern and eastern flanks of the Board Mountain spot fire, helping cool active areas and slow fire spread. Ground crews continued mop-up operations to depths of up to 50 feet in some areas around the fire perimeter, working through pockets of heat and unburned vegetation. Due to steep terrain, aviation support is especially valuable.
Across the main fire, firefighters strengthened control lines increasing mop-up to an average of 50 feet, reducing potential for future fire spread. Structure protection resources reinforced completed remaining work around structures.
On the Canyon Creek spot fire, firefighters continue extinguishing scattered interior heat. Structure protection resources broadened mop-up operations around homes in the Long Branch area and maintained a presence in Shady Cove, Trail, and Dry Creek.
On the spot fire northwest of Hull Mountain, crews pushed farther into the interior, increasing mop-up to approximately 200 feet behind control lines. Structural engines also continued supporting suppression efforts in the steep terrain along Ramsey Canyon Road.
Tonight, firefighters will continue using handheld infrared (IR) technology to locate and extinguish hot spots near control lines while expanding mop-up operations. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain warmer throughout the evening, with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Hotter conditions and an increased potential for thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow.
As conditions improve, containment increases and threats to structures reduce, some resources will be reassigned to support other incidents across Oregon. Resources will remain strategically positioned to maintain strong suppression capability, respond to changing conditions, and remain available for initial attack should any new fires start in the area.
This will be the final evening update on the East Evans Creek Fire unless conditions change. The morning fire update and twice daily operational briefing videos will continue to be provided.
Shelter Update: As evacuation levels continue to decrease, the American Red Cross shelter at Eagle Point Middle School is no longer accepting new evacuees. The Red Cross will continue working with current shelter residents to support their transition. Residents needing sheltering assistance should contact Non-Emergency Dispatch at 541-776-7206.
Evacuations: There are evacuations in place in Jackson County, issued by the Sheriff’s Office 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.