SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul, 11, 2026) — Firefighters battling the East Evans Creek Fire in northern Jackson County made significant progress Saturday, holding containment lines built overnight as state incident management teams assumed command of the fast-moving wildfire that has burned an estimated 2,656 acres.
The fire, located about seven miles west of Shady Cove, continues to threaten homes and critical infrastructure, though firefighters reported minimizing fire growth throughout the day despite discovering several small spot fires. An infrared flight was scheduled for Saturday evening to provide a more accurate assessment of the fire’s size and perimeter.
With the incident becoming increasingly complex due to steep terrain, extreme fire behavior and the threat of lightning in the forecast, the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, Bureau of Land Management Medford District and U.S. Wildland Fire Service requested the Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 1 to oversee suppression efforts.
At the same time, Gov. Tina Kotek’s Emergency Conflagration Act declaration brought in the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Blue Incident Management Team to coordinate structural protection efforts. Both teams were briefed by local officials Saturday afternoon before officially assuming unified command of the fire at 6 p.m.
Officials said the transition allows local firefighters to rest and return to initial attack responsibilities while experienced state teams coordinate the growing incident and additional resources.
Fire crews spent Saturday reinforcing containment lines around the fire’s perimeter while protecting homes closest to the flames. Numerous helicopters, air tankers, engines, hand crews and bulldozers remained engaged throughout the day. Retardant drops continued to slow fire spread by establishing temporary containment lines, with suppression efforts focused primarily on the southern edge of the fire where the highest concentration of homes remains at risk, as well as uncontained areas along the north and east flanks.
Structural protection efforts also expanded Saturday as four structural task forces from Marion, Lincoln and Linn counties, along with crews from the southern Oregon coast, arrived under the state fire marshal’s mobilization. Those resources joined Douglas County and Klamath County teams that had already been deployed through an immediate response request to defend homes, critical infrastructure and establish fire lines around structures.
Fire officials warned that difficult firefighting conditions are expected to continue for several more days as hot temperatures, gusty winds and the potential for thunderstorms and lightning move into the region. Crews continue to contend with rugged terrain, active fire behavior and dense poison oak while working to keep the fire as small as possible.
The East Evans Creek Fire ignited Friday at approximately 2:41 p.m. after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash.
Evacuation orders remain in effect across portions of the fire area.
A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation remains in place for residences along East Evans Creek Road from addresses 19385 through 21899, as well as properties at 21612 and 21615 Antioch Road.
Level 2 “Be Set” notices remain in effect for evacuation zones JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147 and JAC-148B.
Level 1 “Be Ready” notices remain in effect for zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126 and JAC-149B.
An evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets remains open at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill. Horses can be sheltered at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point, while pigs, goats and smaller livestock are being accepted at the Josephine County Fairgrounds in Grants Pass.
East Evans Creek Road remains closed to public traffic at Meadows Road as firefighters and heavy equipment continue suppression operations.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area around the clock, and officials reminded the public that flying drones near the wildfire is illegal and can interfere with aerial firefighting operations.
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