Please Note New Incident Information Phone Number
Steady progress on East Evans Creek Fire increases containment
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Saturday, firefighters continued making progress strengthening containment lines on the East Evans Creek Fire, with more than 200 feet of mop-up adjacent to the fire perimeter in many areas of the fire. On the western edge of the main fire, crews have begun to pull hose and equipment that is no longer needed for mop-up activities.
Firefighters remained vigilant overnight, patrolling the fire area for any signs of smoke. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) with infra-red capability mapped areas of heat adjacent to the fireline for firefighters to focus on today as they continue mop-up. Smoke continues to be visible in the interior as fire smolders and creeps in islands of unburned vegetation and fuels, with isolated torching in some places.
The fire is 15,580 acres and is 54% contained. Containment reflects the increased depth of cold black firefighters are gaining as they grid along the fire’s edge feeling for heat and looking for smoke.
Monday morning at 6 a.m. Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT), Incident Commander Dan Quinones, will transfer command of the fire to Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1, Incident Commander Butch Galbraith. ODF CIMT 1 will return home after 16 days on the incident to rest and get ready for future deployment as needed to support the statewide fire response.
Weather on Sunday will again bring elevated fire conditions with temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s and breezy winds. Firefighters will watch for changes in fire behavior and be prepared for any new fire starts in the area.
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
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.
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