Minimal smoke visible from East Evans Creek Fire as crews continue to mop-up and strengthen control lines; evacuation levels downgraded
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – 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.
Shelter Update: As evacuation levels continue to decrease, the American Red Cross shelter at Eagle Point Middle School will be closing today. The Red Cross will continue working with residents to support their transition as they return home. 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.