SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 18, 2026) – Mop-up operations on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire now extend 35 to 60 feet into the burned area along the entire perimeter as firefighters continue working to secure the fire. Containment increased to approximately 30% Sunday, with cooler temperatures, minimal winds and reduced fire activity allowing crews to work deeper into the fire’s interior while limiting the potential for further spread.
Mop-up depths vary depending on terrain, fuel concentrations and accessibility. The northern portion of the fire continues to present some of the greatest challenges, with steep, rocky slopes and dense vegetation making access and suppression work more difficult. Crews are working to safely locate and extinguish areas of heat while securing established firelines.
A temperature inversion persisted until approximately noon Sunday, limiting vertical air movement and atmospheric mixing. Combined with minimal winds and cooler conditions, this helped reduce fire activity throughout the day. With ground operations progressing well, aircraft were not needed for suppression efforts Sunday.
The fire is now mapped at 283 acres following an overnight drone flight. The two-acre adjustment from the previous 281-acre estimate reflects improved mapping rather than additional fire growth. Steep, rocky terrain makes ground-based GPS mapping difficult, making aerial mapping an important tool for obtaining accurate measurements. Another drone flight is not planned for tonight, although additional reconnaissance may be conducted in the coming days as needed.
Overnight, firefighters will continue extending mop-up operations deeper into the burned area, extinguishing remaining heat near established firelines and increasing containment. Resources assigned include nine 20-person hand crews, 10 Type 6 engines and six water tenders, supported by three task force leaders and three heavy equipment bosses. The Oregon Department of Forestry continues working in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service on suppression efforts.
Weather conditions are expected to remain favorable overnight, with a temperature inversion anticipated to develop after sunset and strengthen through the night. Relative humidity is expected to recover into the low 80% range, compared with approximately 40% during the fire’s first night. Higher humidity increases moisture in fine fuels, making them less receptive to ignition and reducing the potential for fire spread.
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 Monday morning, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.