SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 18, 2026) – Firefighters made substantial progress overnight on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire, completing mop-up operations 25 to 30 feet into the burned area along the entire perimeter, with some sections reaching depths of 40 feet. This marks an important advancement from Saturday, when crews were working to achieve those depths in accessible areas. After reaching 100% lined Saturday evening, firefighters continued strengthening established firelines overnight, with containment currently at 25%. The fire remains at 281 acres.
Overnight crews concentrated on securing established firelines, locating and extinguishing areas of heat that could threaten the perimeter. The northern portion of the fire continues to present the greatest challenges due to steep terrain, dense vegetation and variable wind conditions. Despite these obstacles, firefighters have continued making progress, with firelines holding well across the incident.
With mop-up now extending 25 to 30 feet around the entire perimeter and up to 40 feet in some areas, crews will continue working deeper into the burned area where conditions allow. While established firelines are holding well, heavy concentrations of fuels continue to support burning within the fire’s interior, requiring additional mop-up before more sections of the perimeter can be considered contained. This work is essential to increasing containment while keeping the fire within its established footprint.
Today’s ground resources include 12 20-person hand crews, one eight-person hand crew, 11 Type 6 engines, nine water tenders and one dozer. Additional personnel include four task force leaders, three heavy equipment bosses, four falling modules, one falling boss and one additional faller. Specialized falling resources will continue addressing hazardous snags to improve firefighter safety and access in areas with difficult terrain. The Oregon Department of Forestry continues working in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service on suppression operations.
Aviation resources remain available to support ground operations if needed. Air attack is expected to conduct reconnaissance flights to assess conditions across the fire, identify any areas requiring additional attention and provide firefighters with an aerial perspective of suppression progress.
Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for continued suppression efforts today, with high temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s, higher relative humidity throughout the day and minimal winds anticipated. These conditions are expected to limit the potential for increased fire activity, allowing crews to continue securing the perimeter and expanding mop-up operations.
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 this evening following shift change, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.