SAMS VALLEY, Ore. - Despite hot, dry and breezy conditions, the East Evans Creek Fire is continuing to hold within established control lines. Weather conditions fueled an increase in fire behavior on the northwestern side of the fire, which produced a large plume of smoke. ODF says while conditions were challenging, an aggressive response from resources on the ground and in the air was successful in defending the progress made so far on the incident.
Aircraft played a large role in the success on the northwestern line Sunday, with Large Air Tankers and Very Large Air Tankers making more than 20 drops of retardant to reinforce fire lines. Helicopters aided in dropping water buckets to extinguish torching in the trees, ultimately slowing the spread of the fire.
The fire is currently estimated to be 3,152 acres after an overnight infrared flight and consumption of fuels along the southern edge of the fire. Following the increased activity on the incident Sunday, acreage may increase once again Monday, as the line established on the northwestern portion was not directly at the fire’s edge. ODF says another IR flight is expected to be conducted overnight. ODF says tonight’s nightshift operations will take advantage of cooler temperatures and an expected inversion to strengthen existing firelines, monitor for fire outside the established perimeter, and work on mop-up operations on the southern portion where the majority of homes are located.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources remain focused on protecting homes impacted by the fire. Throughout the day, firefighters completed mop-up operations approximately 100 feet around structures within the fire footprint, locating and extinguishing hidden sources of heat that could reignite and spread fire. Crews also continued preparing homes by clearing flammable vegetation and debris, reducing combustible materials around structures, and improving access for firefighting resources to increase the likelihood that homes can be safely defended if fire activity increases.
Wildland firefighters continue to focus on constructing fireline directly against the fire’s edge. Strategic placement of indirect fireline is being used in areas where the fire is difficult to access in an effort to hold the fire in the smallest footprint possible. On the north perimeter of the fire, equipment is being used to open roads and firelines from previous fires, with handline being constructed to connect these systems together to secure the fire.
Unified Command is receiving support from Pacific Power teams on the response to the East Evans Creek Fire. As people are returning to their homes, Pacific Power will continue to coordinate with the incident management team on restoring power as it is safe to do so.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the fire area until further notice. ODF reminds residents that flying a drone near or around a wildfire is illegal and compromises the safety of both pilots and firefighters, and interferes with firefighting efforts.
Updated on July 12, 2026 at 11:00 p.m.
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. - Crews made progress overnight and the acreage remains the same at 2,656 acres. Coordinated group and aerial efforts continued and were successful in maintaining the fires growth.
Throughout Saturday, July 12, crews are given more favorable conditions and will utilize that to their advantage. Crews continue to strengthen containment ahead of critical fire weather next week, according to ODF Southwest Oregon District.
Firefighters remained focused on protecting homes, critical infrastructures, along with greatening defensible space around properties.
Updated on July 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. - Progress has been made on the East Evans Creek Fire, though the fire is currently estimated to be at 2,656 acres. Containment lines have been built overnight and are continuing to build a line around the perimeter, working on protecting structures.
Throughout the day on Saturday, responders were able to minimize growth of the fire, though small spots were found.
Four structural task forces from Marion, Lincoln, and Linn counties and the southern Oregon coast were mobilized by OSFM today.
Firefighters prepare for several days of fire weather, with high temperatures, gusty winds, and the potential for lightning.
Updated on July 11, 2026 at 9:02 p.m.
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. - Officials responded to a car crash around 2:40 p.m. on Friday involving a power pole and a downed power line, resulting in the East Evans Creek Fire.
The fire is now estimated to be 2,000 acres, with crews reinforcing wet line along with strengthening the fire line and mitigating hazardous snags around the incident.
July 11, more than 400 responders are assigned to the East Evans Creek Fire, with 20-person hand crews, engines, dozers, water tenders, heavy equipment, aviation resources, and structural task forces. Following that, 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.
Crews are continuing firefighting efforts hazardous trees, across the old burn scar, while working on steep terrain.
All evacuations remain in place and there is an evacuation shelter at Hanby Middle School, 806 6th Avenue, Gold Hill. Traffic remains blocked on East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road.
Updated on July 11, 2026 at 10:06 a.m.
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. - Oregon State Fire Marshal dispatch four more task forces along with their Blue Incident Management Team to the East Evans Creek Fire.
Following last nights efforts, the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked.
Last night officials mobilized a strike team from Douglas County and a task force team from Klamath County to help with reinforcements and structure protection.
On Saturday morning, crews are looking to boost capacity and continue firefighting efforts. All listed evacuations are still in place at this time.
Updated on July 11, 2026 at 9:20 a.m.
You can find your evacuation zone using this link.
East Evans Creek Road Fire (Oregon)
Level 3 (GO NOW!) Evacuations: JAC-148-A
Level 2 (BE SET) Evacuations: JAC-148-B, JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147
Level 1 (BE READY) Evacuations: JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-109, JAC-126, JAC-149-B
Acreage: 3,152 acres
Containment: 5%
Closures: None
Firefighting Efforts: More than 1,000 people in the fire camp, including firefighters, support staff and incident management team members. Resources include hand crews, engines, dozers, water tenders, heavy equipment, aviation resources, and structural task forces.
Evacuation routes/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.
Evacuation Centers: Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill, 806 6th Avenue Gold Hill Or.
Evacuation Centers for pets:
Miscellaneous:
This is a developing story, and NewsWatch 12 will keep you updated as we learn more.