East Evans Creek Fire Grows More Active as Officials Upgrade Evacuations

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 13, 2026) — Fire activity intensified Monday on the East Evans Creek Fire west of Shady Cove as warmer temperatures and dry conditions fueled fire behavior, prompting evacuation upgrades, additional firefighting resources and preparations for the possibility of thunderstorms that could further challenge suppression efforts.

Fire managers said increased fire activity led the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management to upgrade evacuation zone JAC-124 from a Level 2 “Be Set” notice to a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation. Firefighters ordered another infrared mapping flight Monday night to provide updated information on the fire’s movement, footprint and acreage. Officials said containment lines on the southern portion of the fire continue to hold.

The Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 1 has ordered additional firefighting resources that are expected to arrive Tuesday as crews prepare for another potentially active operational period.

Forecasters are warning that an approaching weather system could bring greater atmospheric instability, including gusty, erratic winds and thunderstorms capable of increasing fire behavior and sparking new fires. Fire managers said resources are positioned to respond quickly to any lightning-caused starts in the surrounding area.

Firefighters spent Monday constructing, reinforcing and holding containment lines where conditions allowed. In steep, difficult terrain, crews are using a combination of direct and indirect suppression tactics while heavy equipment reopens roads and improves existing firelines, including those from previous burn scars, to strengthen containment efforts.

Aircraft supported firefighters throughout the day by cooling hotspots, slowing the fire’s spread in active areas and assisting ground crews whenever weather and visibility permitted.

As fire conditions evolved, Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task forces were repositioned around the incident to protect homes and other buildings facing the greatest threat. Working alongside wildland firefighters, crews conducted structure triage while searching for wind-driven embers and spot fires, allowing them to quickly suppress new ignitions before they could spread.

Incident commanders said the growing fire activity has increased the complexity of the response, with unified command continuing to adapt suppression strategies while emphasizing firefighter and public safety.

Earlier Monday, a wildland firefighting vehicle was involved in an incident on the fire. No injuries were reported, and officials said the incident remains under investigation. No additional information has been released.

Firefighters will continue strengthening containment lines overnight. Officials said warm nighttime temperatures could allow active fire behavior and a visible smoke column to continue into Tuesday morning as crews engage the fire where conditions are safe and continue building indirect containment lines farther from the fire’s edge.

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 crash.

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, 21 Penninger Road in Central Point, though officials ask owners to call 541-776-7206 before arriving to confirm space is available. Livestock sheltering assistance is also available through that number.

East Evans Creek Road remains closed to public traffic at Meadows Road to provide safe access for firefighters and heavy equipment.

A 24-hour Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area. Officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can interfere with firefighting aircraft, potentially grounding aerial suppression operations.