SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 12, 2026) — Firefighters successfully held established control lines on the East Evans Creek Fire Sunday despite a significant increase in fire activity fueled by gusty winds and high temperatures, fire officials said.
The fire, burning west of Shady Cove in northern Jackson County, was estimated at 3,152 acres following overnight infrared mapping. Officials cautioned that the acreage is expected to increase after Sunday’s active burning on the northwestern edge, where containment lines were intentionally built away from the fire’s edge in some areas. Another infrared mapping flight is planned overnight to provide a more accurate assessment.
A large plume of smoke developed over the fire Sunday afternoon as winds intensified and temperatures climbed, increasing fire behavior on the northwestern flank. Fire managers said an aggressive response from crews on the ground and in the air prevented the fire from escaping established control lines.
Aircraft played a critical role in slowing the fire’s spread. Large Air Tankers and Very Large Air Tankers completed more than 20 retardant drops to reinforce fire lines, while helicopters conducted repeated water bucket drops to extinguish torching trees and cool active hotspots.
Wildland firefighters continued constructing direct fireline where terrain allowed while using indirect strategies in more difficult areas to keep the fire within the smallest possible footprint. Heavy equipment crews worked along the northern perimeter to reopen roads and firelines established during previous fires, while hand crews connected those lines to strengthen containment.
Structural firefighters assigned through the Oregon State Fire Marshal remained focused on protecting homes threatened by the fire. Crews completed mop-up operations roughly 100 feet around structures, extinguishing hidden heat sources capable of reigniting. Firefighters also removed flammable vegetation and debris, improved access around homes, and conducted tactical patrols through neighborhoods near the fire’s edge, quickly extinguishing new hotspots caused by embers.
Nearly 1,000 personnel, including firefighters, support staff and incident management team members, are assigned to the incident. Officials reported no injuries or illnesses among responders.
Pacific Power crews continue coordinating with the unified command team to safely restore electricity to affected residents as evacuation orders are reduced and conditions allow.
Fire officials warned that unseasonably dry vegetation, continued critical fire weather, and the potential for lightning this week remain significant challenges. Overnight crews will take advantage of cooler temperatures and improved humidity to strengthen containment lines, monitor for new fire activity outside the perimeter, and continue mop-up operations on the southern portion of the fire where the greatest concentration of homes remains.
The East Evans Creek Fire started Friday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the cause of the crash.
An evacuation shelter for residents and pets remains open at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill, while horses are being accepted at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point. Livestock sheltering assistance also remains available.
East Evans Creek Road remains closed to public traffic at Meadows Road, and officials continue urging the public to avoid the area so firefighters and heavy equipment can operate safely.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area. Fire officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can immediately halt aerial firefighting operations, placing firefighters and pilots at risk.
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
One thought on “Nearly 1,000 Fire Personnel Battle 3,152-Acre East Evans Creek Fire Amid Wind, Heat”
Comments are closed.