GRANTS PASS, Ore. (August 2, 2026) – Crews completed 50 feet of mop-up around the entire perimeter of the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire today, strengthening containment while holding the fire within its established footprint.

The fire was reported just before 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, burning on a steep slope along Interstate 5 and spreading rapidly through dry vegetation. The fast-moving fire prompted Level 3 (GO NOW), Level 2 (BE SET), and Level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notices for nearby areas. As firefighters quickly worked to slow the fire’s spread and strengthen containment, evacuation levels were reduced and now consist of three Level 2 (BE SET) areas and one Level 1 (BE READY) area.

The fire remains estimated at 96 acres. All containment lines held throughout the day, and the fire remained within its original footprint. A snag that fell across the fireline caused a small slopover, but firefighters quickly contained it before it could spread. Hazard trees and snags continue to present one of the biggest challenges for firefighters working in the steep terrain, and crews will continue mitigating those hazards while extinguishing remaining hotspots.

Tonight’s resources include five 20-person hand crews, one dozer, four Type 6 engines, one Type 3 engine, six water tenders, and an infrared-equipped UAS (drone). The drone will fly the fire overnight to identify remaining heat sources and support tomorrow’s operations.

Overnight temperatures are expected to cool with strong relative humidity recoveries, giving firefighters another opportunity to strengthen containment ahead of the heat wave expected this week. Temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and low 100s, combined with low humidity, will create increasingly challenging fire conditions, making overnight operations especially important.

Beginning Monday, August 3, at 6:00 a.m., Florida Forest Service Incident Management Team 1 will assume command of the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire while firefighters continue mop-up and containment operations.

The transition comes as Southwest Oregon prepares for several days of extreme fire weather. As both the East Evans Creek Fire and the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire move deeper into the mop-up phase, transferring command allows the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to return firefighters and resources to district readiness for initial attack on any new fire starts while suppression work continues on both incidents under the incoming incident management team.

As a reminder, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Drones are prohibited. Flying an unauthorized drone near a wildfire can force firefighting aircraft to be grounded, delaying suppression efforts and creating unnecessary safety risks.

Both northbound lanes of Interstate 5 have reopened to traffic. The shoulder along northbound interstate five remains closed through the fire area, but all travel lanes have reopened. Please use caution slow down and watch for firefighters and equipment working along the roadway.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Firefighters will continue strengthening containment, extinguishing remaining hotspots, and improving fireline throughout the night. A morning update will be provided tomorrow.

For additional fire information, current fire regulations and incident updates, follow @ODFSouthwest on Facebook or visit the ODF Southwest Oregon District website www.swofire.com.