East Evans Creek Fire lines holding strong; state incident management teams take command of fire

FIRE UPDATE

East Evans Creek Fire lines holding strong, state incident management teams take command of fire

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (July 11, 2026) – Wildland and structural firefighters working on the East Evans Creek Fire, located approximately seven miles west of Shady Cove, continue to make progress, building line around the perimeter and protecting homes and structures near the fire’s edge. Containment lines built overnight have held, and firefighters continue to build on that progress. The fire is currently estimated to be 2,656 acres; an infrared (IR) flight is planned for this evening to confirm the fire’s current footprint and acreage.

Due to the complexities of the incident, including steep terrain, extreme fire behavior and the threat of lightning in the forecast, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Medford District and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) ordered ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1. Governor Tina Kotek’s invocation of the Emergency Conflagration Act mobilized the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Blue Incident Management Team to protect structures near the fire. Together, these teams were in-briefed by local resources at noon on Saturday, and took unified command of the incident at 6 p.m. These teams bring experience, as well as additional resources, to the incident and allow local firefighters to rest and return to their regular duties, including responding to any new reports of fire.

Throughout the day on Saturday, firefighters were able to minimize growth on the fire, however a few small spot fires were found. Resources included numerous helicopters, air tankers, engines, crews, and bulldozers. Retardant drops are helping to create temporary fire line. Focus remains on the southern portion where the majority of homes and structures are located, along with uncontained edges to the north and east.

On the structural side, four structural task forces from Marion, Lincoln, and Linn counties and the southern Oregon coast were mobilized by OSFM today. The conflagration declaration allows OSFM to deploy statewide structural firefighting resources when a wildfire threatens life and property beyond the capabilities of local agencies. These newly arriving resources joined a Douglas County strike team and a Klamath County task force that responded yesterday through an Immediate Response request to provide structure protection. Crews focused on providing structural protection to homes and critical infrastructure and securing fire line around homes.

Firefighters are preparing for several days of critical fire weather, including high temperatures, gusty winds and the potential for lightning. Resources will continue to monitor conditions closely and make plans accordingly. Firefighters are directed to put the fire out as quickly as possible and keep the fire footprint as small as possible, but face numerous challenges on this incident, including steep terrain, active fire behavior and poison oak. The safety of the public and firefighters is the top priority on this incident, along with protecting property and critical infrastructure.

The fire started on Friday afternoon at 2:41 p.m. after a car crashed into a power pole, sparking dry vegetation in the area. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have 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.

Evacuations: The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have issued the following evacuations by level:

Evacuation Level 3 Go Now: JAC-148A All residences located adjacent to E. Evans Creek Road, from address 19385 through 21899, are included in the evacuation area. Additionally, residences located at 21612 Antioch Road and 21615 Antioch Road are included.

Evacuation Level 2 Be Set:
JAC-016 / JAC-124 / JAC-147 / JAC-148B

Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready:
JAC-003 / JAC-004 / JAC-017 / JAC-026 / JAC-036 / JAC-109 / JAC-126 / JAC-149B

An evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets has been established at Hanby Middle School, 806 6th Avenue, Gold Hill. Horses can be taken to the Expo at 21 Penninger Road, Central Point, OR. For more information on evacuation levels or to find your evacuation zone, visit https://tinyurl.com/EastEvansCreekFireEvacMap. Expo staff and volunteers are prepared to receive horses; however, please call 541‑776‑7206 first to confirm space is available, as additional shelter locations may be activated. Owners should bring feed, water containers, and any necessary medications when possible.

Josephine County Fairgrounds can take pigs, goats, and smaller animals at 1451 Fairgrounds Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97527.

For livestock sheltering assistance, call 541‑776‑7206.

Road Closures: Traffic is closed to the public on East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road. Please avoid the fire area  to allow firefighters and heavy equipment to operate safely.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place for the fire area daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_6_4915. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire is illegal and compromises the safety of both pilots and firefighters, and interferes with firefighting efforts.