SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 12, 2026) — Firefighters battling the East Evans Creek Fire west of Shady Cove reported increased fire behavior Sunday afternoon as hot temperatures and gusty winds intensified activity on the northern edge of the wildfire, sending a large column of smoke high above the incident that was visible across the Rogue Valley.
Despite the surge in fire activity, officials said all established containment lines continue to hold, and the fire is not advancing beyond its current perimeter.
The heightened conditions prompted an aggressive aerial firefighting response. Aircraft assigned to the incident include three Large Air Tankers, three Type 1 helicopters, six Type 2 helicopters, three Type 3 helicopters, a lead plane and an air attack platform.
Large Air Tankers are dropping fire retardant to establish temporary fire lines designed to slow the fire’s spread, while helicopters are conducting repeated water bucket drops on areas of active fire and hot spots.
On the ground, firefighters remain focused on strengthening and defending the southern portion of the fire, where the greatest concentration of homes remains at risk. Crews continue to reinforce containment lines and monitor changing fire conditions as winds persist through the afternoon.
The increased smoke plume generated by the fire has been visible from communities throughout the valley, reflecting the intensified fire behavior occurring on the northern flank.
The Oregon Department of Forestry said additional information on fire activity, acreage and overnight operations will be released later this evening after firefighters come off the line and incident commanders complete operational assessments.
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