East Evans Creek Fire holds in perimeter despite hot temperatures, low humidity, and breezy winds
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Critical fire weather again tested firelines on the East Evans Creek Fire yesterday, with temperatures in the low 90’s and humidity near 15%, firefighters continued work securing and mopping up the fire perimeter. Smoke was visible yesterday, well interior of the fireline, 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 in the upper 80’s, 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.
Shelter Update: As evacuation levels continue to decrease, the American Red Cross shelter at Eagle Point Middle School is no longer available for residents. 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/
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.