East Evans Creek Fire Containment Reaches 26% as Evacuations Are Reduced

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Jul. 21, 2026) — Firefighters battling the East Evans Creek Fire in Jackson County increased containment to 26% Tuesday as crews continued making steady progress, allowing evacuation levels to be reduced in parts of Jackson County and all evacuation notices to be lifted in neighboring Douglas County.

The fire is currently estimated at 15,705 acres and is being fought by 2,343 personnel assigned to the incident.

Fire crews spent the day strengthening containment lines and expanding mop-up operations across the fire perimeter while aircraft supported firefighters working in steep, difficult terrain.

On the Board Mountain spot fire, helicopters and other aircraft cooled active areas along the southern and eastern flanks to slow fire spread while ground crews worked through pockets of heat and unburned vegetation. Firefighters conducted mop-up operations extending as much as 50 feet from the fire’s edge in some locations.

Across the main fire, crews increased mop-up efforts to an average depth of 50 feet behind containment lines, reducing the potential for future fire spread. Structure protection resources completed additional work around homes and other buildings threatened by the fire.

Firefighters also continued suppression efforts on the Canyon Creek spot fire, extinguishing scattered interior hot spots while expanding mop-up around homes in the Long Branch area. Structural protection resources remained positioned in Shady Cove, Trail and Dry Creek.

Northwest of Hull Mountain, crews advanced farther into the fire’s interior, extending mop-up approximately 200 feet behind control lines. Structural engines continued supporting suppression operations along the steep terrain near Ramsey Canyon Road.

Overnight, firefighters planned to use handheld infrared technology to detect and extinguish hot spots near containment lines while continuing mop-up operations. Fire officials said overnight temperatures are expected to remain warm, with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Hotter temperatures and a greater potential for thunderstorms are forecast Wednesday.

As fire conditions continue to improve and the threat to structures decreases, incident managers said some firefighting resources will begin transitioning to other wildfire incidents across Oregon. Officials said sufficient personnel and equipment will remain assigned to the East Evans Creek Fire to maintain suppression efforts, respond to changing fire conditions and provide initial attack capability for any new fires in the area.

Incident officials announced Tuesday’s report will be the final scheduled evening update unless conditions change. Morning updates and twice-daily operational briefing videos will continue.

The American Red Cross shelter at Eagle Point Middle School is no longer accepting new evacuees as evacuation levels continue to decrease. The Red Cross will continue assisting current shelter residents with transition planning. Residents needing emergency shelter assistance are asked to contact Jackson County Non-Emergency Dispatch.

Evacuation notices remain in effect in portions of Jackson County. East Evans Creek Road remains closed to public traffic at Meadows Road. The Bureau of Land Management has also closed West Fork Evans Creek Road, Rock Creek Road and nearby BLM-administered public lands, prohibiting public access, including hunting, hiking and camping.

Smoke from the fire is expected to continue affecting nearby valleys and low-lying areas, with changing wind conditions potentially reducing visibility and impacting air quality.

A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the fire area. Fire officials also reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can interfere with aerial firefighting operations.

The East Evans Creek Fire began July 10 after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the cause of the crash.