Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 1:47
CAL-ORE Life Flight crews are being deployed to assist with the East Evans Creek Fire, providing incident medical support and emergency response capabilities. The team includes two advanced life support ambulances, a rapid extraction module support unit, and eight medical personnel, according to KOBI5. Their mission is to support firefighter and responder safety, offer advanced pre-hospital care, and facilitate rapid treatment and transportation of any injured personnel.
The East Evans Creek Fire has grown to approximately 15,705 acres as of Tuesday morning, up from 15,015 acres reported Monday, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest District. The fire remains at 17% containment. Crews have been driving mop-up operations deeper into the fire's interior and strengthening control lines overnight. Extensive structure preparation and protection measures have been completed around threatened communities. No loss of structures has been reported. More than 1,650 personnel are assigned to the fire, with over 500 on the fireline overnight Friday. In response, the city of Shady Cove has declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure. City administrator Randy Petersen emphasized that residents should have an evacuation plan, including keeping important documents and medications ready, preparing emergency kits, and knowing the nearest evacuation routes. The city is coordinating with state and county leaders to plan for potential Level 3 evacuations, which would require immediate departure. Additionally, Shady Cove residents are asked to minimize water use to support fire suppression efforts.
As of July 18, 2026, evacuation levels have been upgraded in several zones. Zone JAC-203A was upgraded to Level 1 (Be Ready), and Zone JAC-203B was upgraded to Level 2 (Be Set). Earlier, on July 16, Zone JAC-017 was upgraded to Level 3 (Go Now), and Zone JAC-026 was upgraded to Level 2. On July 15, multiple zones were upgraded: JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149B to Level 3; eight other zones to Level 2; and the city of Shady Cove to Level 1. Additionally, on July 15 at 9:45 PM, Zone JAC-127A was upgraded to Level 3 (Go Now). This zone is along Highway 227 from the intersection of Highway 62 to Taylor Road, and north on Highway 62 to River Heights Road. A community meeting is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Shady Cove School Gym, 100 Cleveland St, Shady Cove, OR 97539, and will also be streamed online via Facebook.com/ODFSouthwest.
On Monday, July 20, Jackson County Sheriff's officials added two zones in the area of Rogue River Drive and the community of Beagle to the list of Level 1-Be Ready evacuation notices. Zones JAC-161 and JAC-204 were added "out of an abundance of caution." Zone JAC-161 includes Rogue River Drive from Colfax Road and Greenleaf Drive to Takelma Park. Zone JAC-204 is comprised of the area north of Hwy. 234, east of Beagle Road to Rogue River Drive.
For a complete list of evacuation zones, residents can visit Genasys Protect at https://protect.genasys.com/ to find their zone. As of the latest update, Level 3 (Go Now) zones include JAC-017, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-127-A, and JAC-149-B. Level 2 (Be Set) zones include JAC-016, JAC-026, JAC-111, JAC-112, JAC-127-B, JAC-131, JAC-132, JAC-133, JAC-134, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149A, and JAC-203B. Level 1 (Be Ready) zones include JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-158, JAC-203A, JAC-161, JAC-204, SHC-151, SHC-152, SHC-154, SHC-156, SHC-157, and SHC-158.
On Tuesday, July 21, all Level 3-Go Now evacuations were downgraded to Level 2-Be Set, and several Level 2 zones were downgraded to Level 1-Be Ready. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office downgraded all Level 3-Go Now evacuation alerts to Level 2-Be Set for the East Evans Creek Fire, including Zones JAC-017, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126 and JAC-149B. JAC-149A and JAC-149B reverted to one zone, JAC-149, at Level 2-Be Set. The sheriff’s office also downgraded Level 2 evacuations for zones JAC-111, JAC-112, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-132, JAC-133 and JAC-134 to Level 1-Be Ready. Additionally, Level 1-Be Ready statuses for Zones DOU-1012 and DOU-1015 in Douglas County were canceled. All road closures remained in effect, including Longbranch Road and East Evans Creek Road from Meadows Road on the east side and West Fork Evans Creek Road on the west side, open only for fire personnel and residents.
On Tuesday, July 21, containment increased from 17% to 26% as conditions improved. Aircraft supported operations on the southern and eastern flanks of the Board Mountain spot fire, helping cool active areas and slow fire spread while ground crews continued mop-up operations on the fire’s perimeter to depths of up to 50 feet. On the Canyon Creek and Hull Mountain spot fires, firefighters pushed further into the interior, increasing control lines and continuing suppression and structural protection efforts. Overnight, firefighters continued using handheld infrared (IR) technology to locate and extinguish hot spots near control lines while expanding mop-up operations. As conditions improved, some resources were reassigned to support other incidents across Oregon. The Tuesday evening update was the final evening status update, but morning fire updates and twice daily operational briefing videos continued. A Red Flag Warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 p.m. Wednesday for parts of Southern and south-central Oregon, replacing the Fire Weather Watch.
On Wednesday, July 22, the fire remained at 15,705 acres with 26% containment, with no overnight growth reported. Mop-up efforts continued, with firefighters using infrared tools to locate residual heat around the Hull Mountain spot fire and along the main fire. Operations section chief trainee Leo Williamson reported that mop-up was being pushed 200-300 feet deep in some areas. On the Board Mountain spot fire, mop-up continued along the entire perimeter, with a focus on the northeast portion, though additional hazardous trees needed removal. On the Canyon Creek spot fire, remaining hotspots were being extinguished. The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) began reducing structural resources, with Wednesday being the last day for OSFM resources on the line, as the threat to structures had significantly reduced. A portion of wildland resources transitioned to day shift to add firefighters during peak weather times. A Red Flag Warning remained in effect for abundant lightning on dry fuels from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with potential for erratic winds up to 45 mph. Lightning with minimal rain could ignite new fires, and specific resources were designated to respond to new reports. Aircraft remained available as needed.
The evacuation shelter for people and domestic pets has moved to Eagle Point Middle School, located at 477 Reese Creek Rd, Eagle Point, OR 97524. The previous shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill is closed. Pets are welcome but not allowed inside the building; the Red Cross will set up an area on the property to accommodate them. For individuals needing extra medical care or assistance, call 541-776-7206. For livestock sheltering assistance, call the same number. Additionally, the Tiller-Trail Highway is closed at the county border in Jackson County to Highway 62 due to the fire. For traffic updates, check TripCheck. On Tuesday, July 21, Highway 227 from Highway 62 to the Douglas County line was re-opened. The Red Cross shelter at Eagle Point Middle School stopped accepting new occupants due to improved fire conditions; those needing sheltering assistance were directed to call non-emergency dispatch at 541-776-726.
While the fire is burning in Jackson County, Oregon, its proximity to the California border—particularly Siskiyou County—raises concerns for cross-border impacts. CAL-ORE Life Flight, a resource shared between California and Oregon, underscores the regional cooperation in wildfire response. Residents in northern California, especially near the border, should monitor air quality and evacuation alerts.
The East Evans Creek Fire ignited on Friday, July 10, at 2:41 p.m. after a car crashed into a power pole on East Evans Creek Road, sparking dry vegetation. The fire is located approximately 26 miles north of Medford and about 7 miles west of Shady Cove. Wildfires in this region are common during dry summer months, often exacerbated by drought conditions and human activity. The fire grew from 2 acres to nearly 1,000 acres in just over three hours. Resources have poured in from around the state, and Gov. Tina Kotek declared a conflagration on July 13. In addition to Oregon State Fire Marshal crews, a 10-member CAL FIRE crew was deployed under the Northwest Compact, a mutual aid agreement that enables western states to rapidly share firefighting personnel and resources during emergencies.
On Thursday, July 16, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue joined a strike team deploying to the fire with resources from Hillsboro Fire & Rescue and the Banks Fire District, along with firefighters from Gresham, the Port of Portland and Cannon Beach. The strike team will join a Yamhill County task force including TVF&R personnel that was already assisting with the response. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue said it deployed a Type 1 engine with a lieutenant, engineer and two firefighters, along with a captain as part of the Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Team. The Banks Fire District said Engine 15 also deployed Thursday as part of the Washington County Conflagration Group. The crew includes Lt. Julie Kemper, engineer Justin Wammack, shift leader Talys Hendrickson and firefighter Rayn Coffman.
Resources on the Board Mountain spot fire strengthened existing control lines, including the southwestern edge where the fire crossed the fireline late Sunday. Overnight, crews focused on the southern portion of the fire south of Boswell Mountain to reinforce the perimeter and limit additional spread. Operations Monday will continue to surge on the southern portion of the Board Mountain spot fire, focusing on improving the line, mop-up and felling trees to reduce overhead hazards. Structural resources remain positioned near homes in the Antioch, Jones Road and Pomeroy areas, as well as in the Shady Cove, Trail, Long Branch, and Dry Creek communities, as part of a proactive structure protection strategy while supporting wildland operations. Structural resources bolstered suppression efforts and patrolled areas near homes, checking for hot spots. Across the main fire, control lines held, and firefighters remained vigilant as dry vegetation and persistent heat continues to support elevated spotting potential. Crews also held the Canyon Creek spot fire within its existing footprint overnight and continued working adjacent to the fireline to secure the perimeter on the spot fire northwest of Hull Mountain. Firefighters will continue extending hose lays to support deeper mop-up operations, while structural crews maintain a presence in the Ramsey Canyon Road area and continue providing high-capacity pump support to increase water delivery for wildland operations. Crews on Monday will again be available for repositioning to bolster other areas of the fire or to support initial attack with local agencies. An incident meteorologist is on scene monitoring conditions, including cloud cover, which can delay the lift of the inversion. Although morning temperatures are cooler and isolated showers have been observed, winds are expected to pick up again in the afternoon, and temperatures may reach the mid- to high-90s. Dry fuels, steep terrain, and shifting winds remain factors that could challenge containment efforts later in the day, and spotting potential continues to be elevated. With strengthened lines, overnight cooling, and coordinated support across the incident, firefighters enter the day positioned to build on yesterday's progress while remaining alert to potentially increased fire activity as conditions shift. Aircraft on Monday will work with ground resources to address hot spots and support firefighters as they work to tighten the southeast side of the Board Mountain spot fire, where crews and initial dozer line stopped forward movement overnight. Structural tenders will continue supporting water delivery to helicopter dip sites, as needed, to sustain aerial suppression operations.
Progress on the East Evans Creek Fire throughout the day Monday boosted containment from 8% to 17%. Firefighters continued to make progress, catching numerous spot fires, building control line to stop new growth and adding depth through mop-up operations. Cloud cover throughout the day helped naturally decrease fire behavior in some areas, and resources took advantage of the opportunity to connect and strengthen fireline. In other locations, wind factored into more active fire behavior which resulted in several new spot fires, all of which were caught at small sizes. An overnight infrared flight will be ordered to map the fire and determine total new acreage. To date, firefighters have established more than 60 miles of control line, achieving the increased containment level. The Board Mountain spot fire remains the most active southern portion of the overall incident, prompting precautionary Level 1-Be Ready evacuation notices for several areas. On the Canyon Creek spot fire, west of Shady Cove, small spot fires were located by aircraft and firefighters were able to quickly suppress growth of those fires. Crews will continue to monitor and extinguish spot fires that ignite throughout the night. Warmer evening conditions and lower relative humidity could result in elevated fire activity in some areas, which will allow firefighters to more easily locate hotspots. Firefighters continue to make a presence in the Shady Cove, Trail, Long Branch and Dry Creek communities as well as the Antioch, Jones Road and Pomeroy areas. Hot temperatures and windy conditions remain in the extended forecast along with potential thunderstorms over the next week. Due to this threat, a Fire Weather Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for abundant lightning on dry fuels from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Instability in the atmosphere may contribute to storms, which could result in dry lightning due to low humidity, which could ignite new fires.
Firefighters on the East Evans Creek Fire took advantage of cooler, more stable conditions throughout the night on Monday to strengthen containment features, expand mop-up and reinforce control lines. Night crews used infrared (IR) technology to identify and flag remaining hot spots, which will allow firefighters to continue extinguishing heat during daylight operations, a Tuesday morning update by Oregon Department of Forestry officials said. The fire’s overall size increased slightly, from an estimated 15,015 acres reported Monday to 15,705 acres, and remains at 17% containment. Although fire activity moderated over the past 24 hours, firefighters remain vigilant as triple-digit temperatures, lower relative humidity, a lifting inversion and the potential for isolated thunderstorms and dry lightning strikes are forecast for Tuesday. A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect, bringing potential for thunderstorms and abundant lightning capable of producing new fire starts before hot, dry, and breezy conditions return later this week. According to mapping on the National Weather Service website, thunderstorms are anticipated to move north to northeast around 15 to 20 mph. The storm will bring mostly wet thunderstorms with potential for some dry lightning strikes that can occur outside of wet cores. Isolated wind gusts of up to 45 mph could occur, NWS said.
On the Board Mountain spot fire west of Trail, firefighters will continue addressing remaining areas of unburned vegetation and assisting felling personnel on the fire’s southern edge to remove fire-weakened and hazardous trees to improve firefighter safety and provide access for suppression operations. Due to steep, difficult terrain, helicopters and heavy equipment remain critical to suppression efforts. Structure protection crews continue supporting operations near homes in the Antioch, Jones Road and Pomeroy areas. On the Canyon Creek spot fire west of Shady Cove, firefighters continue extinguishing scattered pockets of heat where the fire burned unevenly, requiring methodical interior mop-up. Structure protection crews are extending mop-up in the Long Branch area outside Shady Cove, where fire previously encroached on homes, while proactive protection remains in place throughout the Shady Cove, Trail, and Dry Creek communities. In the Dry Creek and Shiloh areas, firefighters continue to make progress on mop-up operations, removal of hazardous trees, gridding for hidden heat, addressing heavy fuels and using heavy equipment to improve access and support suppression operations. On the spot fire northwest of Hull Mountain due north of Sams Valley, firefighters continue pushing mop-up well into the fire’s interior, increasing the depth of extinguished fuels behind containment lines. In the Ramsey Canyon Road area, structure protection engines continue supplying water through high-pressure pump systems to firefighters extinguishing hot spots in steep, challenging terrain.
On the main fire, mop-up has progressed up to 150 feet into the fire footprint along the eastern edge and approximately 100 feet across much of the remaining perimeter. Structure protection crews have extended mop-up approximately 200 feet from structures. “This progress reflects days of coordinated work to strengthen containment, increase the depth of extinguished fuels behind control lines, and reinforce protection around nearby communities,” the Tuesday ODF Southwest release said. Increased containment and reduced threats to structures have allowed several structure protection task forces and strike teams to return to their home agencies, enhancing statewide response capability — with more than 80 fires burning around the state over the past week – while maintaining protection where it remains needed. Additional information is included in a Tuesday morning briefing, posted to ODF Southwest’s Facebook page.
Fire officials report zero structures lost as of day 10 of the fire. The fire was estimated at 15,015 acres as of Sunday night, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Earlier Sunday, the fire was listed at 14,437 acres, up from 13,999 acres on Saturday, with containment at 8%. An infrared flight for assessing fire size was not conducted on Saturday night due to increased fire activity across the state, and may or may not be conducted Sunday night. A video of the Sunday community meeting is posted to the ODF Southwest Facebook page.
Aggressive fire suppression efforts continued throughout Sunday despite another afternoon of critical fire weather. Strategic relocation of helicopters to an alternate base outside the morning inversion proved successful, allowing aircraft to begin flying earlier in the day and maximizing support for firefighters on the ground. Structural tenders supported suppression efforts by supplying water to dip sites, helping helicopters maintain a steady pace of water-dropping operations throughout the day. Firefighters continued strengthening and connecting lines around the expanded Board Mountain spot fire area. Although crews were having success securing the perimeter, afternoon fire activity increased on the southern and eastern edges, again pushing flames across fire control lines. Firefighters remain actively engaged in the area southwest of Boswell Mountain with a large airtanker with retardant ordered to support suppression efforts. Structural resources remain positioned near homes in the Antioch, Jones Road and Pomeroy areas to provide structure protection while supporting wildland suppression operations. On the Canyon Creek spot fire, firefighters quickly contained a roughly half-acre slop over after a burning tree fell across the control line, carrying embers into unburned vegetation west of the fire’s edge. Resources, including helicopters with water buckets, rapidly engaged the spot before it could spread further and are continuing mop-up operations. Structural resources remain assigned throughout the Shady Cove, Trail, Long Branch, and Dry Creek areas as part of a proactive structure protection plan. Structural preparation has been completed in the Ramsey Canyon Road area, and crews are continuing to provide high-capacity pump support to increase water delivery for wildland operations. Across the main fire, firefighters continued pushing mop-up farther into the fire footprint, increasing the depth of extinguished fuels behind established control lines. Spotting potential remains elevated as exceptionally dry vegetation, heavy fuel loading, steep terrain, and persistent heat continue to support rapid fire spread. Critical fire weather remains the primary operational concern.
On Sunday, July 19, Zone JAC-127-A was downgraded to Level 2-Be Set, and JAC-127-A and JAC-127-B were reverted to one zone, JAC-127.
On Tuesday, July 21, containment increased from 17% to 26% as conditions improved. Aircraft supported operations on the southern and eastern flanks of the Board Mountain spot fire, helping cool active areas and slow fire spread while ground crews continued mop-up operations on the fire’s perimeter to depths of up to 50 feet. On the Canyon Creek and Hull Mountain spot fires, firefighters pushed further into the interior, increasing control lines and continuing suppression and structural protection efforts. Overnight, firefighters continued using handheld infrared (IR) technology to locate and extinguish hot spots near control lines while expanding mop-up operations. As conditions improved, some resources were reassigned to support other incidents across Oregon. The Tuesday evening update was the final evening status update, but morning fire updates and twice daily operational briefing videos continued. A Red Flag Warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 p.m. Wednesday for parts of Southern and south-central Oregon, replacing the Fire Weather Watch.
As the East Evans Creek Fire continues to burn, residents in Shady Cove and surrounding areas should stay informed through local emergency services and prepare for possible evacuations. The deployment of CAL-ORE Life Flight highlights the critical need for medical support in wildfire response. For ongoing updates, visit swofire.com or check the Jackson County evacuation map.
