ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (July 11, 2026) – Firefighters assigned to the East Evans Creek Fire, burning on private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands approximately 26 miles northeast of Medford near the 18000 block of East Evans Creek Road, are preparing for another day of intense fire weather as they continue suppression efforts.
The fire was reported Friday afternoon just after 2:40 p.m. when dispatch received a report of a car crash involving a power pole and a downed power line. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire burning in nearby vegetation. The Oregon Department of Forestry and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a further investigation into the incident.
Firefighters worked through the night strengthening fire line, reinforcing wet line and mitigating hazardous snags across the incident. As of Saturday morning, the fire is estimated at approximately 2,000 acres.
Warm, dry and breezy conditions are expected to continue across southwest Oregon today, creating another challenging day for firefighters and increasing the potential for active fire behavior and spotting.
More than 400 personnel are assigned to the incident today, including 20-person hand crews, engines, dozers, water tenders, heavy equipment, aviation resources and structural task forces. Aviation resources include one Type 3 helicopter with Air Attack, three Type 2 helicopters and two Type 1 helicopters, providing heavy aerial support as conditions allow. Additional structural task forces are expected to arrive today as firefighters continue structure protection efforts where multiple structures remain threatened.
Today’s objectives include reinforcing and strengthening existing fire line, extending hose lays along East Evans Creek Road and improving access for firefighters working throughout the incident.
Firefighters continue working in steep terrain, across an old burn scar and around numerous hazard trees. Combined with dry fuels and the potential for spotting, these conditions will continue to present challenges for firefighters throughout today’s operations.
Due to the size and complexity of the East Evans Creek Fire, along with the need to maintain initial attack capability across southwest Oregon, the Oregon Department of Forestry has ordered ODF Incident Management Team 1, which will assume command of the incident this evening. The team will bring additional personnel, equipment and operational support to the incident while allowing local resources to remain available to respond to new wildfire starts across Jackson and Josephine counties.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 – GO NOW, Level 2 -BE SET and Level 1 -BE READY evacuation notices for areas surrounding the fire. An evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets has been established at Hanby Middle School, 806 6th Avenue, Gold Hill.
Traffic is blocked on East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road. Firefighters continue working throughout the area, and residents will be allowed through the closure when it is safe to do so. The public is asked to avoid the area if possible to allow firefighters and heavy equipment to operate safely.
For more information on evacuation levels, visit Wildfire Oregon Evacuation Information. To determine your evacuation zone, visit Genasys Protect.
Updates on the East Evans Creek Fire will be provided each morning and evening, with additional updates shared throughout the day as significant information becomes available.
For additional fire information, current fire regulations and incident updates, follow @ODFSouthwest on Facebook or visit the ODF Southwest Oregon District website www.swofire.com.
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