Level 3 evacuations remain as crews make progress on East Evans Creek Fire
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remain in effect for residents along portions of East Evans Creek Road as firefighters continue battling the East Evans Creek Fire west of Shady Cove.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Jackson County Emergency Management have issued the following evacuation levels:
- Level 3 (Go Now): JAC-148A, including residences along East Evans Creek Road from addresses 19385 through 21899, as well as 21612 and 21615 Antioch Road.
- Level 2 (Be Set): JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147 and JAC-148B.
- Level 1 (Be Ready): JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126 and JAC-149B.
An evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets remains open at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill. Horses can be taken to the Jackson County Expo in Central Point, with owners asked to call ahead to confirm space is available.
The fire, burning about seven miles west of Shady Cove, grew to 3,628 acres after increased fire activity Monday within established containment lines, according to an overnight infrared flight.
Firefighters worked through the night to strengthen fire lines and reinforce retardant lines laid down by air tankers while constructing containment lines around a roughly 20-acre spot fire. Crews also continued improving fire lines along the northeastern and southern edges of the fire, where many homes are located.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal's structural firefighting crews patrolled neighborhoods overnight and will continue mopping up vegetation within 100 feet of homes to reduce fire risk.
Wildland firefighters also continued mop-up operations along the southern and eastern portions of the fire, creating cold control lines designed to prevent the fire from crossing back into previously burned areas. Fire managers said containment is expected to increase as that work continues.
The fire remained active overnight in steep, difficult-to-access terrain near Spignet Butte on the northwestern edge of the fire, moving toward indirect fire lines firefighters have been constructing.
Fire officials said weather conditions Tuesday could create additional challenges, with a slight chance of thunderstorms across southern Oregon that could produce erratic winds and spark new fires. Incident commanders said additional resources are available if new fire starts occur.
The East Evans Creek Fire started Friday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of the crash.
East Evans Creek Road remains closed to the public at Meadows Road to allow firefighting operations to continue safely.
A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the fire area. Officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can interfere with firefighting aircraft.