Exactly 24 hours after the East Evans Fire was initially reported, firefighters were successful in completing a strong fire line around the entire perimeter, achieving their main objective for the shift. Mop-up operations began on a portion of the fire, and will continue into this evening. The fire remains an estimated 300 acres tonight. Containment remains at 0%, however, crews will be working toward beginning that process.
Predicted afternoon winds did not impact fire activity as originally anticipated, but crews are still keeping the conditions in mind while on the line tonight. Nightshift crews will continue to strengthen existing lines, along with furthering the mop-up process. Personnel on the fire remains at more than 200; resources include six 20-man crews, 10 engines, two bulldozers, and five water tenders for tonight’s shift. Aircraft will continue water drops until sundown. Safety remains a top priority.
The East Evans Fire was initially reported as a structure fire at approximately 2 p.m. Friday. Crews arrived to a burning structure and five acres of active fire. With hot temperatures and wind, it spread to an estimated 300 acres within the first three hours. However, aircraft and ground resources moved swiftly in the first five hours to gain the upper hand.
Evacuations made by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office still stand. Deputies gave an immediate evacuation notice (LEVEL 3) to 11 residences in the area, and also made 18 door-to-door LEVEL 1 evacuation notices in the area of East Evans Creek Road between the 18500-block and Meadows Road (north side of the roadway). At this time, a Red Cross Shelter has not been set up. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Updates on the East Evans Fire can be found on our Facebook Page: @ODFSouthwest and our website:
www.swofire.com.