NEAR ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (Jul. 11, 2026) — Firefighters battling the fast-moving East Evans Creek Fire (Evans Creek Road Fire) in northern Jackson County strengthened containment lines overnight and prepared Saturday for another day of challenging weather, as the blaze grew to an estimated 2,000 acres and continued to threaten homes.
The fire is burning on private land and land managed by the Bureau of Land Management about 26 miles northeast of Medford near the 18000 block of East Evans Creek Road.
The fire ignited Friday afternoon shortly after 2:40 p.m. after emergency dispatchers received reports of a vehicle crash involving a power pole and a downed power line. When firefighters arrived, they found flames spreading into nearby vegetation. The Oregon Department of Forestry and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.
Fire crews worked through the night reinforcing fire lines, strengthening wet lines and removing hazardous trees throughout the fire area. Despite those efforts, hot, dry and breezy weather is expected to fuel active fire behavior again Saturday, increasing the potential for rapid fire growth and long-range spotting.
More than 400 personnel are assigned to the incident, including 20-person hand crews, engines, dozers, water tenders, heavy equipment operators, aviation resources and structural task forces working to protect homes.
Aviation resources assigned to the fire include one Type 3 helicopter with Air Attack, three Type 2 helicopters and two Type 1 helicopters, providing heavy aerial support when weather conditions allow. Additional structural task forces are expected to arrive Saturday to bolster structure protection efforts in areas where multiple homes remain at risk.
Firefighters’ priorities for the day include reinforcing existing containment lines, extending hose lays along East Evans Creek Road and improving access routes for crews working throughout the incident.
Crews continue to face difficult conditions, including steep terrain, heavy fuels, an old burn scar and numerous fire-weakened hazard trees. Those challenges, combined with dry vegetation and the potential for spot fires, are expected to complicate suppression efforts throughout the day.
Because of the fire’s rapid growth and increasing complexity, the Oregon Department of Forestry has ordered ODF Incident Management Team 1 to assume command of the fire Saturday evening. The transition is intended to bring additional personnel, equipment and logistical support to the incident while allowing local firefighters to remain available for new wildfire starts across Jackson and Josephine counties.
Evacuation notices remain in effect for communities surrounding the fire. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 “Go Now,” Level 2 “Be Set” and Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation orders for affected areas.
An evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets remains open at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill.
East Evans Creek Road remains closed at Meadows Road as firefighters and heavy equipment continue working in the area. Residents may be allowed through the closure when conditions are safe, but officials are asking the public to avoid the area to ensure firefighters can operate safely.
Fire officials said updates on the East Evans Creek Fire will continue to be released each morning and evening, with additional information provided throughout the day as conditions change.
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