SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 17, 2026) — Firefighters battling the East Evans Creek Fire continued making progress overnight, strengthening containment lines around several spot fires as the wildfire grew to 13,090 acres and remained 5% contained, fire officials said Friday.
Nearly 1,987 personnel are assigned to the incident, working across approximately 60 miles of fire perimeter to search for heat, reinforce firelines and slow the fire’s advance.
Overnight, crews completed fireline construction around the Canyon Creek spot fire and established hose lines around its perimeter. Firefighters will continue securing the line Friday, using water to cool hot spots along the fire’s edge.
The Ramsey Creek spot fire remained within established control lines, with crews continuing to strengthen containment efforts to keep it within its current footprint.
On the Board Mountain spot fire, firefighters used natural fire progression and tactical burning operations to remove unburned vegetation between the fire and constructed indirect firelines along the northern perimeter. Additional crews are reinforcing those lines while other firefighters continue constructing and extending direct fireline southwest of Boswell Mountain, where active fire behavior persists.
Structural protection resources remained deployed throughout the fire area, including Long Branch Road, Shady Cove, Trail, East Evans Creek Road, West Fork Evans Creek Road and the Hull Mountain area. Crews continued creating defensible space around homes, conducting structure assessments and extinguishing lingering hot spots near threatened properties.
Firefighters also continued mop-up operations along the southern edge of the fire near East Evans Creek Road, working to eliminate residual heat close to homes. Along West Fork Evans Creek Road, crews are securing firelines and working northward to connect containment lines along the western flank of the fire.
North of Spignet Butte, firefighters continue battling ember-driven spot fires in critically dry vegetation. Efforts are focused on widening firelines and conducting tactical burning to reduce the chance of embers crossing containment lines.
Structural engines have also supported suppression efforts by operating high-pressure pump systems, water tenders and portable water delivery equipment in steep terrain. A temporary water supply site has been established at the Dodge Bridge Boat Ramp, which remains closed to the public while firefighting operations continue.
Fire officials said cooler overnight temperatures and increased humidity reduced fire activity, allowing crews to construct direct fireline across much of the incident. However, a warming and drying trend, combined with gusty northwest winds Friday afternoon, is expected to increase fire behavior. Critically dry fuels continue to make the fire susceptible to spotting from wind-driven embers.
Fourteen helicopters remain assigned to the fire to support ground crews with water drops and aerial reconnaissance, while additional air tankers are available if needed. Morning inversions may delay some aerial operations because of reduced visibility.
Evacuation orders remain in effect in portions of Jackson and Douglas counties, with residents urged to monitor updates from local emergency management officials.
Several road closures also remain in place, including the Tiller-Trail Highway between the Jackson County line and Highway 62, East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road, and portions of West Fork Evans Creek Road and Rock Creek Road. Bureau of Land Management lands surrounding the fire remain closed to all public access, including hiking, hunting and camping.
Smoke continues to impact air quality across the region, particularly in valleys and low-lying areas, where shifting winds may reduce visibility throughout the day.
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 began on July 10 after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the crash.
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