East Evans Creek Fire Grows to 3,628 Acres as Suppression Efforts Continue

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 13, 2026) — Firefighters battling the East Evans Creek Fire west of Shady Cove continued making progress Monday after working through the night to strengthen firelines, protect nearby communities and contain growth along the fire’s northern edge.

The fire, which started Friday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into a power pole and ignited dry vegetation, has grown to 3,628 acres, according to an overnight infrared flight. Officials said the acreage increase was caused by additional fire activity within established control lines, rather than a significant expansion beyond containment efforts.

Crews spent overnight hours working in the Spignet Butte area on the northwestern edge of the fire, where steep terrain and difficult access have challenged firefighting operations. Firefighters continued constructing indirect fireline, reinforcing existing lines and securing a roughly 20-acre slopover.

Multiple air tankers dropped temporary retardant lines Sunday, and crews worked overnight to solidify those lines while connecting new sections of fireline on the northeastern and southern portions of the perimeter.

The southern portion of the fire remains a priority because of the number of homes in the area. Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources patrolled residential areas overnight and will continue mopping up within 100 feet of structures Monday.

Wildland firefighters have completed up to 25 feet of mop-up work along portions of the southern and eastern perimeter, creating a cold, black control line designed to reduce the chance of the fire crossing back into previously burned areas. Officials said containment is expected to increase as this work continues.

Weather conditions are expected to remain a challenge Monday, with atmospheric instability increasing the possibility of thunderstorms across southern Oregon. Officials warned storms could bring erratic winds and the potential for new fire starts.

East Evans Creek Fire Unified Command said crews are prepared for changing conditions and can provide additional resources if new fires are reported.

“While safety remains a top priority on this incident, firefighters are committed to holding the fire in the smallest footprint possible and will continue to aggressively push forward on this progress,” fire officials said.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the cause of the crash that sparked the fire.

Evacuations remain in place

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management continue to maintain evacuation notices for areas threatened by the East Evans Creek Fire.

Level 3 — Go Now

JAC-148A: Residences adjacent to East Evans Creek Road from addresses 19385 through 21899
21612 Antioch Road
21615 Antioch Road

Level 2 — Be Set

JAC-016
JAC-124
JAC-147
JAC-148B

Level 1 — Be Ready

JAC-003
JAC-004
JAC-017
JAC-026
JAC-036
JAC-109
JAC-126
JAC-149B

An evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets is operating at Hanby Middle School, located at 806 6th Avenue in Gold Hill.

Horse evacuation support is available at the Jackson County Expo, 21 Penninger Road in Central Point. Owners are asked to call 541-776-7206 before arriving to confirm space availability. Officials recommend bringing feed, water containers and necessary medications when possible.

East Evans Creek Road remains closed to public traffic at Meadows Road. Officials are asking residents to avoid the fire area to allow firefighters and heavy equipment to safely operate.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains active over the fire area. Officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can interfere with firefighting aircraft operations, potentially endangering pilots and crews.

The East Evans Creek Fire is located approximately seven miles west of Shady Cove in Jackson County. Firefighters said they remain focused on strengthening containment lines and protecting homes as suppression efforts continue.