SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 15, 2026) — Firefighters continued battling the rapidly growing East Evans Creek Fire overnight as crews worked aggressively to contain spot fires that ignited outside the main fire perimeter. The wildfire has now grown to 7,843 acres and is 5% contained, according to fire officials.
The most significant new fire activity remains northeast of the main incident, where one of the largest spot fires on Board Mountain has expanded to an estimated 1,000 acres. Fire managers shifted additional hand crews, engines and heavy equipment into the area overnight to slow the fire’s spread and establish containment lines.
On the western flank of the fire, firefighters conducted a tactical firing operation overnight to reduce fuels ahead of the advancing wildfire and strengthen existing containment features. Crews also constructed direct fireline where terrain allowed while continuing to protect homes threatened by the fire.
Officials said firefighters will continue using a direct suppression strategy Wednesday where conditions permit, supported by aircraft dropping water and retardant to cool active fire areas, slow fire spread and quickly attack new spot fires. Oregon State Fire Marshal structural protection crews remain assigned to the eastern portion of the fire to defend homes and critical infrastructure, while crews on the southwest side are improving defensible space around structures and installing temporary water supplies.
Fire officials warned that hot, dry weather, steep terrain and afternoon winds are expected to increase fire activity again Wednesday, creating conditions favorable for rapid fire spread and additional spot fires.
The fire began Friday at 2:41 p.m. after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the cause of the crash.
Community Meeting Scheduled
Fire officials will host a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, to provide the latest information on the East Evans Creek Fire.
The meeting will be held in person at the Shady Cove School Gym, 100 Cleveland St., Shady Cove. A live stream will also be available on the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s Facebook page, with a hosted streaming location at Jackson County Fire District 1, 5474 N. River Road in Gold Hill.
Evacuations Remain in Effect
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues to maintain evacuation orders for areas surrounding the fire:
- Level 3 – Go Now: JAC-124 (22705 to 24100 block of East Evans Creek Road)
- Level 2 – Be Set: JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148 and JAC-149B
- Level 1 – Be Ready: JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-149A and JAC-158
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 after calling 541-776-7206 to confirm space availability. Livestock assistance is also available through the same number.
Closures and Smoke
East Evans Creek Road remains closed to the public at Meadows Road to provide firefighters and heavy equipment safe access to the incident.
The Bureau of Land Management has also closed BLM-administered lands surrounding the fire, prohibiting public access, including hiking, camping and hunting.
Officials said smoke is expected to continue settling into nearby valleys, reducing visibility and impacting air quality. Sensitive individuals are encouraged to limit outdoor activity as conditions change throughout the day.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area. Officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can force firefighting aircraft to suspend operations.
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
One thought on “East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 7,843 Acres as Crews Battle 1,000-Acre Board Mountain Spot Fire”
Comments are closed.