SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 12, 2026) — Firefighters battling the East Evans Creek Fire west of Shady Cove made steady progress overnight, reinforcing containment lines and protecting threatened homes as crews prepared for another day of challenging fire weather expected to test suppression efforts.
The wildfire, burning approximately seven miles west of Shady Cove, remains estimated at 2,656 acres following the latest ground-based mapping. Fire officials said updated acreage from infrared mapping flights will be released once available.
Firefighters spent the night strengthening established fire lines on the southern flank while structural protection crews remained stationed in threatened neighborhoods. Officials said cooler overnight temperatures, an inversion, and moderate humidity recovery created more favorable conditions for crews to improve containment before stronger winds arrive later Sunday.
Fire behavior intensified Saturday evening as gusty winds, dry vegetation, and steep terrain fueled active fire growth. Despite the difficult conditions, coordinated ground and aerial suppression efforts prevented significant expansion of the fire.
Air tankers were used extensively to slow the fire’s spread, while helicopters conducted repeated water drops to cool hotspots and support firefighters working in rugged terrain.
Those aerial operations are expected to be limited early Sunday because of the morning inversion reducing visibility. Aircraft will return to the fire as conditions improve throughout the day.
Fire managers warned that the greatest concern will come Sunday afternoon, when wind gusts could reach 30 mph, creating more volatile fire behavior and testing containment lines. Elevated fire weather is forecast to continue into early next week, with the possibility of thunderstorms on Monday further increasing the risk.
Wildland firefighters continue attacking the fire directly wherever terrain allows. In areas where steep slopes and dense vegetation make direct engagement unsafe, crews are reopening containment lines from previous fires to provide additional defensive options if fire activity increases.
Structural firefighters remain focused on protecting homes, critical infrastructure, and improving defensible space around threatened properties.
Officials said firefighters will continue adapting to changing conditions while working to strengthen containment, protect nearby communities, and keep the fire footprint as small as possible despite difficult terrain and ongoing active fire behavior.
The fire ignited Friday at approximately 2:41 p.m. after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, sparking dry vegetation. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash.
Evacuations remain in effect for areas surrounding the wildfire.
A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation remains in place for residences along East Evans Creek Road from addresses 19385 through 21899, as well as homes at 21612 and 21615 Antioch Road.
Level 2 “Be Set” evacuations remain in effect for zones JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147 and JAC-148B, while
Level 1 “Be Ready” notices remain in place 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, 806 Sixth Ave. in Gold Hill. Horses can be taken to the Jackson County Expo in Central Point, while pigs, goats and other small livestock are being accepted at the Josephine County Fairgrounds in Grants Pass. Livestock owners are encouraged to call ahead to confirm available space.
East Evans Creek Road remains closed to the public 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. Fire officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can force firefighting aircraft to stop operations, placing both firefighters and residents at greater risk.
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