EAST EVANS CREEK FIRE
Daily Update: July 12, 2026
Phone: (971) 209-6990
Fire Information Links: https://linktr.ee/odfteam1
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest
Total Size: 2,656 acres
Total Containment: 0%
Cause: Vehicle into power pole
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (July 12, 2026) – Firefighters assigned to the East Evans Creek Fire, located approximately seven miles west of Shady Cove, continued making progress overnight. Crews worked to reinforce established lines on the southern portion of the fire, and structural resources remained in place to protect threatened residences. With the most recent mapping completed on foot, the fire remains an estimated 2,656 acres at this time. Updated acreage from infrared (IR) flights will be provided once available.
Yesterday evening, fire activity increased as gusty winds, dry fuels, and steep terrain contributed to increased active fire behavior. Despite these challenging conditions, coordinated ground and aerial suppression efforts were successful in limiting any significant fire growth. Aircraft, including air tankers, were used extensively to slow the fire’s spread, while numerous helicopters provided water drops to cool hotspots and support firefighters working in difficult terrain.
This morning, crews are taking advantage of more favorable conditions created by an inversion and moderate overnight relative humidity recovery. Firefighters are working to strengthen containment ahead of critical fire weather expected from today into early next week. This afternoon, winds are expected to gust up to 30 miles per hour, which could create more challenging conditions on the fire line. Elevated fire weather concerns will continue through the weekend, with the potential for thunderstorms on Monday.
Structural firefighters remain focused on protecting homes, critical infrastructure, and improving defensible space around threatened properties. Wildland firefighters are continuing to engage directly at the fire’s edge as much as possible. In areas of extreme and steep terrain, alternate lines from previous fires are also being opened up as a precaution in case direct line against the fire’s edge isn’t possible.
Aerial suppression operations will be limited this morning by the inversion but remain available and will be utilized as visibility improves and conditions allow.
Firefighters will continue adapting to changing conditions while focusing on strengthening containment, protecting communities, and limiting opportunities for fire growth. Although steep terrain, dense vegetation, and active fire behavior continue to present challenges, crews are building on the progress made and remain committed to keeping the fire footprint as small as possible.
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.