SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 20, 2026) – Firefighters are continuing to build on suppression efforts at the West Fork Evans Creek Fire, increasing containment to 48% Tuesday morning. With established firelines holding well around the 283-acre fire, crews are working toward extending mop-up operations 150 feet into the burned area, further securing the perimeter and reducing the potential for additional spread.
Following Monday’s progress, firefighters are concentrating on locating and extinguishing remaining areas of heat while continuing to address hazardous trees and difficult terrain. Steep, rocky slopes remain a challenge in certain portions of the fire, requiring crews to carefully navigate areas with limited access. Despite these conditions, extensive mop-up operations have helped keep fire activity well within established lines.
Today’s resources include 15 20-person hand crews, one eight-person hand crew, seven Type 6 engines, 10 water tenders and one dozer, supported by task force leaders, heavy equipment bosses, falling resources and additional overhead personnel. Resources are also available for initial attack if needed, ensuring the ability to respond to new fire starts while suppression efforts continue on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire.
Drier conditions are expected today, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s and relative humidity dropping into the mid-20% range, lower than what the area has experienced over the past several days. Winds are expected to remain relatively light, although some afternoon gusts are possible. While these conditions could contribute to increased fire activity, extensive mop-up efforts have helped secure the perimeter, allowing firefighters to continue strengthening established lines and limiting the potential for further 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 this evening following shift change, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.