SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 17, 2026) – Firefighters have successfully established firelines around the entire 281-acre West Fork Evans Creek Fire, reaching 100% lined and increasing containment to 25% Saturday evening. With firelines holding and fire activity decreasing throughout the day, crews made significant progress securing the perimeter and conducting deeper mop-up operations as cooler temperatures and lighter winds created more favorable conditions.
Fire activity was minimal throughout much of the day as a persistent temperature inversion contributed to reduced fire behavior. The inversion, which extended into the afternoon, limited vertical air movement and atmospheric mixing by trapping cooler air beneath a layer of warmer air. This reduced the upward movement of heated air and smoke, helping limit the development of stronger convection and more active fire behavior.
With fireline construction complete, firefighters concentrated their efforts on securing the perimeter, conducting mop-up operations approximately 15 to 25 feet into the burned area. Overnight, crews will continue expanding that depth toward 40 feet where terrain and safety conditions allow, locating and extinguishing areas of heat that could threaten established lines.
Heavy concentrations of fuels continue to support burning within the fire’s interior. While smoke and fire activity may still be visible in these areas, firefighters have successfully held the fire within its established perimeter. The priority remains preventing further spread while progressively increasing containment through continued mop-up operations.
Resources assigned to the incident include nine 20-person hand crews, one eight-person hand crew, 10 Type 6 engines, seven water tenders and three dozers, supported by two task force leaders, four heavy equipment bosses and additional overhead personnel. These resources will continue working throughout the night to strengthen firelines and secure areas of remaining heat. The Oregon Department of Forestry continues to coordinate suppression efforts with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.
The next update is anticipated Sunday morning, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.