SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 16, 2026) — The East Evans Creek Fire has grown to 11,551 acres and is 5% contained as firefighters continue battling active spot fires and strengthening containment lines while the wildfire advances closer to populated communities in northeastern Jackson County.
As the fire expanded overnight, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued new Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices for several neighborhoods in Shady Cove and Trail, reflecting the fire’s movement toward more populated areas. Officials urged residents to remain prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
Firefighters spent the night limiting the growth of new spot fires and reinforcing existing firelines across the incident.
On the southern perimeter, the fire spotted across East Evans Creek Road into an old burn scar northwest of Hull Mountain. On the eastern flank, the Board Mountain spot fire ignited another spot fire that pushed east toward Canyon Creek.
Air tankers were used to slow the Canyon Creek spot fire while firefighters constructed containment lines around much of its perimeter overnight. Crews will continue completing and strengthening those lines Thursday.
Four additional strike teams of Type 1 engines are arriving to expand structure protection efforts in the Ramsey Creek, Trail and Shady Cove areas. Firefighters are assessing homes, improving defensible space and preparing neighborhoods for changing fire conditions.
Officials said spot fires continue to be one of the greatest challenges across the incident. Firefighters worked overnight to establish control lines around the Hull Mountain spot fire while securing the southwest edge of the main fire. Those efforts will continue throughout the day.
The southern portion of the fire remained stable overnight as wildland and structural firefighters increased mop-up operations around homes and along the fire perimeter.
On the northern edge near Morrison Creek, active fire behavior tested containment lines but remained within the existing fire footprint. Firefighters will focus Thursday on keeping the fire inside established control lines.
Unified Command officials said suppression and structure protection resources remain strategically positioned across the fire as conditions continue to evolve.
Firefighters are expected to benefit Thursday from cooler temperatures, higher humidity and lighter winds. However, officials warned that hotter temperatures and stronger winds are forecast to return Friday, creating conditions more favorable for rapid fire growth.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management continue to maintain multiple evacuation levels.
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations remain in effect for zones JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-149B and JAC-127A.
Level 2 “Be Set” evacuations remain in place for JAC-111, JAC-112, JAC-127B, JAC-131, JAC-132, JAC-133, JAC-134, JAC-149A, JAC-148, JAC-147 and JAC-016.
Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuations remain in effect for JAC-036, JAC-026, JAC-014, JAC-003, JAC-004, DOU-1012, DOU-1015, SHC-151, SHC-152, SHC-153, SHC-154, SHC-156, SHC-157 and JAC-158, including newly expanded notifications in the Shady Cove and Trail areas.
The evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets has moved to Eagle Point Middle School. Horses are being accepted at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point, with officials asking owners to call ahead to confirm available space.
Road closures remain in effect on East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road, as well as West Fork Evans Creek Road and Rock Creek Road. A Bureau of Land Management closure also remains in effect for public lands surrounding the fire, prohibiting hunting, hiking and camping.
Smoke is expected to continue settling into valleys and low-lying areas, reducing visibility and impacting air quality in nearby communities.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area, and officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can interfere with firefighting aircraft.
The East Evans Creek Fire was reported at 2:41 p.m. on July 10 after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation along East Evans Creek Road. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the crash.
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
