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ODF Southwest Oregon District

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ODF Southwest Oregon District

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The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District protects 1.8 million acres of forestland in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Oregon Department of Forestry's Vision:

•Healthy forests providing a sustainable flow of environmental, economic, and social outputs and benefits.

•Public and private landowners willingly making investments to create healthy forests.

•Statewide forest resource policies that are coordinated among Oregon's natural resource agencies.

•ODF recognized as an agency operating openly and in the public interest.

•Citizens who understand, accept, and support sustainable forestry and who make informed decisions that contribute to achievement of the vision of the 2003 Forestry Program for Oregon.

•Adequate funding for ODF to efficiently and cost-effectively accomplish the mission and strategies of the Board of Forestry, appropriate use of information technology, business management strategies, and department personnel policies that encourage and recognize employees, allowing them to meet their full potential in providing excellent public service.

10/27/2026

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙎𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙊𝙉 𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙎 𝙒𝙀𝘿𝙉𝙀𝙎𝘿𝘼𝙔: Fire season ends in ODF Southwest Oregon District following widespread rainfall.

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 27, 2026) - After 166 days, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is officially declaring an end to the 2026 fire season in Jackson and Josephine counties, effective Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.

Recent rainfall, cooler temperatures and a shift toward consistent fall weather have allowed all fire season regulations and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) to be lifted. This declaration affects approximately 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands protected by ODF across Jackson and Josephine counties. At this time, industrial slash burning remains prohibited.

Since fire season was declared on May 15, ODF firefighters have responded to 210 fires across Jackson and Josephine counties, totaling approximately 17,220 acres burned. Despite periods of extreme fire danger, rapidly developing incidents and multiple large fires requiring extended suppression efforts, firefighters successfully kept 95% of fires at 10 acres or less, just below ODF's annual goal of 98%.

Dry conditions were already creating challenges before the official start of fire season. On May 9, the Carney Flat Fire burned approximately 23 acres, highlighting the potential for wildfire activity even before seasonal restrictions took effect. Just ten days after fire season began, the Blackwell Road Fire burned approximately 48 acres on May 25. Additional incidents followed in June, including the Spencer Gulch Fire on June 14 and the West Jones Creek Road Fire on June 15, demonstrating the early-season fire potential across the district.

One of the most significant incidents of the season was the East Evans Creek Fire, which began July 10 in Jackson County and ultimately burned approximately 15,580 acres. Rapid fire growth, challenging terrain and heavy fuel loads complicated suppression efforts, prompting the deployment of ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 and later Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1. Firefighters spent weeks strengthening containment lines and protecting surrounding communities, with extensive support from local, state and federal agencies.

On July 19, the Waldo Road and Ridge Vista fires started within minutes of each other near Cave Junction, creating simultaneous demands on firefighters and emergency responders. The fires burned approximately 31 and 16 acres, prompting evacuation notices and requiring a coordinated response from multiple agencies. These incidents highlighted the challenges of managing multiple fire starts at once while maintaining resources for additional emergencies.

August brought several more significant incidents, beginning with the Interstate 5 Mile Marker 57 Fire near Grants Pass on August 1, which burned approximately 96 acres. Days later, the Woodrat Mountain Fire started in the Applegate Valley on August 6, growing to approximately 288 acres. On August 13, the Fielder Mountain Fire ignited near Rogue River, presenting particularly challenging conditions due to intense fire activity, steep terrain along Interstate 5 and its proximity to nearby homes and the city of Rogue River. The fire ultimately burned approximately 573 acres and prompted the deployment of ODF Incident Management Team 1 to assist with suppression efforts and structure protection.

Fire activity continued into September and October. On September 20, firefighters responded to the Anderson Butte Road Fire in the Upper Applegate, which ultimately burned approximately 78 acres. The West Fork Evans Creek Fire followed on October 15 in the Sams Valley area, growing to approximately 283 acres. Steep, rocky terrain, heavy fuels and limited water access complicated suppression efforts, demonstrating that significant wildfire activity remained possible even as fall weather began arriving across Southwest Oregon.

Throughout the season, aggressive initial attack, aviation resources and close coordination with local fire districts, law enforcement, emergency management agencies and state and federal partners played a critical role in limiting fire growth and maintaining response capabilities during extended incidents.

Fall weather began bringing relief to Southwest Oregon in October, with cooler temperatures, improved relative humidity recovery, shorter daylight hours and the absence of persistent dry east winds contributing to decreasing fire danger. Recent widespread rainfall and additional precipitation have provided the moisture needed to bring the declared fire season to an end.

The termination of fire season removes ODF's seasonal fire prevention regulations on equipment use and debris burning for the public and industrial operations on protected forestlands. However, industrial slash burning remains prohibited. Many structural fire agencies require permits for residential debris burning, and additional local restrictions may apply. Before burning, residents should check with their local fire department for permit requirements and confirm that burning is allowed in their area.

Residents can check daily burning conditions through their county's burn information line:

• Jackson County Burn Line: (541) 776-7007
• Josephine County Burn Line: (541) 476-9663

Although the declared fire season has ended, wildfires can still start and spread during fall and winter, particularly during dry or windy conditions. Residents are encouraged to never leave burn piles unattended, keep water and tools readily available and use caution when operating machinery that could produce sparks.

10/26/2026

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝘿𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀: Fire danger drops to low as fall weather settles into Southwest Oregon.

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 26, 2026) -The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is decreasing the fire danger level from “Moderate” (blue) to “Low” (green), effective immediately, October 26, 2026. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level I (one). These changes affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The decrease comes following recent rainfall across Southwest Oregon, with additional precipitation expected in the coming days. Fall weather has also brought cooler daytime and overnight temperatures and improved relative humidity recovery. Shorter daylight hours and the absence of persistent dry east winds have also contributed to more favorable conditions. Higher humidity levels extending into the daytime hours are helping vegetation retain moisture, reducing its susceptibility to ignition and slowing potential fire spread. These conditions have allowed the district to return to the Low fire danger level for the first time since the beginning of the 2026 fire season on May 15.

Despite the decrease in fire danger, fire season is not over, and debris burning remains prohibited. This includes burning yard debris, brush piles and the use of burn barrels. Although cooler temperatures and increased moisture have reduced fire danger, vegetation in some areas remains dry enough to ignite and carry fire. The public is reminded that all current fire season regulations remain in effect, regardless of the lower fire danger level.

The following public fire restrictions remain in effect

• Debris burning, including burn piles and burn barrels, remains prohibited.

• Fireworks are prohibited on or within 1/8 of a mile of ODF-protected land.

• Exploding targets and tracer am******on, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

• Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, on BLM land and on private land with the landowner's permission. Designated campgrounds can be found at www.swofire.com/maps. Where open fires and appliances are allowed, one shovel and one gallon of water or a 2½-pound fire extinguisher are required.

• Portable cooking appliances using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in cleared areas free of flammable vegetation.

• Smoking while traveling is only allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and in other specifically designated locations.

Under IFPL I, industrial fire season requirements remain in effect, including firewatch requirements unless otherwise waived.

While the arrival of fall weather is a welcome change, the district will continue evaluating weather patterns, fuel moisture and fire activity as it awaits a significant, season-ending weather event that will allow fire season to safely conclude. Until then, the public is encouraged to continue practicing fire prevention and following all current restrictions, as cooler conditions alone do not eliminate wildfire risk.

The end of fire season will be announced separately once conditions across the district support lifting seasonal restrictions.

For more information about current fire restrictions and regulations, visit www.swofire.com or contact the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest you:

Medford Unit: 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point - (541) 664-3328

Grants Pass Unit: 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

10/21/2026

𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Continued mop-up brings West Fork Evans Creek Fire to 55% containment.

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 20, 2026) - Containment on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire has increased to 55% Tuesday evening as firefighters continue extensive mop-up operations across the 283-acre fire. With established firelines continuing to hold, crews are now targeting mop-up depths of 200 to 250 feet into the burned area, working to extinguish remaining heat and further secure the perimeter.

With fire activity significantly reduced and established firelines continuing to hold well, overnight staffing is being further scaled back. Tonight's resources include four Type 6 engines and one task force leader, while a strong day shift presence will continue to support extensive mop-up operations.

Some interior smoke may still be visible from time to time as heavy fuels, including downed trees and stumps, continue burning within the fire's perimeter. This interior activity does not indicate additional fire growth, and established firelines continue to hold.

Overnight conditions are expected to support continued suppression efforts, with temperatures dropping into the upper 40s to low 50s, relative humidity recovering to approximately 58-62% and light winds shifting from the south to the east.
No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time.

The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

This will be the final update on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire unless conditions change significantly.

10/20/2026

𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘼𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Firefighters expand mop-up operations deeper into West Fork Evans Creek Fire.

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 20, 2026) - Firefighters are continuing to build on suppression efforts at the West Fork Evans Creek Fire, increasing containment to 48% Tuesday morning. With established firelines holding well around the 283-acre fire, crews are working toward extending mop-up operations 150 feet into the burned area, further securing the perimeter and reducing the potential for additional spread.

Following Monday's progress, firefighters are concentrating on locating and extinguishing remaining areas of heat while continuing to address hazardous trees and difficult terrain. Steep, rocky slopes remain a challenge in certain portions of the fire, requiring crews to carefully navigate areas with limited access. Despite these conditions, extensive mop-up operations have helped keep fire activity well within established lines.

Today's resources include 15 20-person hand crews, one eight-person hand crew, seven Type 6 engines, 10 water tenders and one dozer, supported by task force leaders, heavy equipment bosses, falling resources and additional overhead personnel. Resources are also available for initial attack if needed, ensuring the ability to respond to new fire starts while suppression efforts continue on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire.

Drier conditions are expected today, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s and relative humidity dropping into the mid-20% range, lower than what the area has experienced over the past several days. Winds are expected to remain relatively light, although some afternoon gusts are possible. While these conditions could contribute to increased fire activity, extensive mop-up efforts have helped secure the perimeter, allowing firefighters to continue strengthening established lines and limiting the potential for further spread.

No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The next update is anticipated this evening following shift change, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.

10/20/2026

𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙋𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀:West Fork Evans Creek Fire climbs to 45% containment as crews deepen mop-up efforts.

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 19, 2026) – As containment increases on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire, suppression operations are being adjusted to reflect the changing needs of the 283-acre incident. Containment reached 45% Monday evening, with crews completing mop-up approximately 100 feet into the burned area around the entire perimeter. As more sections of the fire are secured, overnight staffing is being reduced while firefighters continue working toward full containment.

Monday's suppression efforts focused on addressing remaining heat and removing hazards that could interfere with operations. Along the southern portion of the fire, specialized falling crews completed snag removal up to 300 feet into the burned area, reducing the risk posed by fire-weakened trees. Elsewhere, steep, rocky slopes continue to require careful navigation and specialized suppression techniques. Despite the difficult terrain, firefighters have been able to conduct thorough mop-up operations, working to prevent remaining heat from threatening established firelines.

Tonight's resources include six 20-person hand crews, six Type 6 engines and five water tenders, supported by three task force leaders, two heavy equipment bosses and two heavy equipment boss trainees. The reduced night shift allows resources to be concentrated where they are most needed while maintaining suppression coverage across the fire. A drone reconnaissance flight is also scheduled overnight to assess conditions and identify any areas requiring additional attention.

Cooler overnight conditions are expected to continue supporting suppression efforts, with temperatures dropping into the mid-40s and relative humidity recovering to approximately 75%. These conditions are expected to limit fire activity as crews continue working deeper into the burned area.

No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The next update is anticipated Tuesday morning, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.

10/19/2026

𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘼𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Firefighters expand mop-up efforts up to 60 feet on West Fork Evans Creek Fire

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 18, 2026) – Mop-up operations on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire now extend 35 to 60 feet into the burned area along the entire perimeter as firefighters continue working to secure the fire. Containment increased to approximately 30% Sunday, with cooler temperatures, minimal winds and reduced fire activity allowing crews to work deeper into the fire's interior while limiting the potential for further spread.

Mop-up depths vary depending on terrain, fuel concentrations and accessibility. The northern portion of the fire continues to present some of the greatest challenges, with steep, rocky slopes and dense vegetation making access and suppression work more difficult. Crews are working to safely locate and extinguish areas of heat while securing established firelines.

A temperature inversion persisted until approximately noon Sunday, limiting vertical air movement and atmospheric mixing. Combined with minimal winds and cooler conditions, this helped reduce fire activity throughout the day. With ground operations progressing well, aircraft were not needed for suppression efforts Sunday.

The fire is now mapped at 283 acres following an overnight drone flight. The two-acre adjustment from the previous 281-acre estimate reflects improved mapping rather than additional fire growth. Steep, rocky terrain makes ground-based GPS mapping difficult, making aerial mapping an important tool for obtaining accurate measurements. Another drone flight is not planned for tonight, although additional reconnaissance may be conducted in the coming days as needed.

Overnight, firefighters will continue extending mop-up operations deeper into the burned area, extinguishing remaining heat near established firelines and increasing containment. Resources assigned include nine 20-person hand crews, 10 Type 6 engines and six water tenders, supported by three task force leaders and three heavy equipment bosses. The Oregon Department of Forestry continues working in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service on suppression efforts.

Weather conditions are expected to remain favorable overnight, with a temperature inversion anticipated to develop after sunset and strengthen through the night. Relative humidity is expected to recover into the low 80% range, compared with approximately 40% during the fire's first night. Higher humidity increases moisture in fine fuels, making them less receptive to ignition and reducing the potential for fire spread.

No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The next update is anticipated Monday evening, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.

10/19/2026

𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙋𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Firefighters expand mop-up efforts up to 60 feet on West Fork Evans Creek Fire.

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 18, 2026) – Mop-up operations on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire now extend 35 to 60 feet into the burned area along the entire perimeter as firefighters continue working to secure the fire. Containment increased to approximately 30% Sunday, with cooler temperatures, minimal winds and reduced fire activity allowing crews to work deeper into the fire's interior while limiting the potential for further spread.

Mop-up depths vary depending on terrain, fuel concentrations and accessibility. The northern portion of the fire continues to present some of the greatest challenges, with steep, rocky slopes and dense vegetation making access and suppression work more difficult. Crews are working to safely locate and extinguish areas of heat while securing established firelines.

A temperature inversion persisted until approximately noon Sunday, limiting vertical air movement and atmospheric mixing. Combined with minimal winds and cooler conditions, this helped reduce fire activity throughout the day. With ground operations progressing well, aircraft were not needed for suppression efforts Sunday.

The fire is now mapped at 283 acres following an overnight drone flight. The two-acre adjustment from the previous 281-acre estimate reflects improved mapping rather than additional fire growth. Steep, rocky terrain makes ground-based GPS mapping difficult, making aerial mapping an important tool for obtaining accurate measurements. Another drone flight is not planned for tonight, although additional reconnaissance may be conducted in the coming days as needed.

Overnight, firefighters will continue extending mop-up operations deeper into the burned area, extinguishing remaining heat near established firelines and increasing containment. Resources assigned include nine 20-person hand crews, 10 Type 6 engines and six water tenders, supported by three task force leaders and three heavy equipment bosses. The Oregon Department of Forestry continues working in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service on suppression efforts.

Weather conditions are expected to remain favorable overnight, with a temperature inversion anticipated to develop after sunset and strengthen through the night. Relative humidity is expected to recover into the low 80% range, compared with approximately 40% during the fire's first night. Higher humidity increases moisture in fine fuels, making them less receptive to ignition and reducing the potential for fire spread.

No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The next update is anticipated Monday morning, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.

10/18/2026

𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘼𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Overnight efforts strengthen entire West Fork Evans Creek Fire perimeter.

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 18, 2026) – Firefighters made substantial progress overnight on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire, completing mop-up operations 25 to 30 feet into the burned area along the entire perimeter, with some sections reaching depths of 40 feet. This marks an important advancement from Saturday, when crews were working to achieve those depths in accessible areas. After reaching 100% lined Saturday evening, firefighters continued strengthening established firelines overnight, with containment currently at 25%. The fire remains at 281 acres.

Overnight crews concentrated on securing established firelines, locating and extinguishing areas of heat that could threaten the perimeter. The northern portion of the fire continues to present the greatest challenges due to steep terrain, dense vegetation and variable wind conditions. Despite these obstacles, firefighters have continued making progress, with firelines holding well across the incident.

With mop-up now extending 25 to 30 feet around the entire perimeter and up to 40 feet in some areas, crews will continue working deeper into the burned area where conditions allow. While established firelines are holding well, heavy concentrations of fuels continue to support burning within the fire's interior, requiring additional mop-up before more sections of the perimeter can be considered contained. This work is essential to increasing containment while keeping the fire within its established footprint.

Today's ground resources include 12 20-person hand crews, one eight-person hand crew, 11 Type 6 engines, nine water tenders and one dozer. Additional personnel include four task force leaders, three heavy equipment bosses, four falling modules, one falling boss and one additional faller. Specialized falling resources will continue addressing hazardous snags to improve firefighter safety and access in areas with difficult terrain. The Oregon Department of Forestry continues working in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service on suppression operations.

Aviation resources remain available to support ground operations if needed. Air attack is expected to conduct reconnaissance flights to assess conditions across the fire, identify any areas requiring additional attention and provide firefighters with an aerial perspective of suppression progress.

Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for continued suppression efforts today, with high temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s, higher relative humidity throughout the day and minimal winds anticipated. These conditions are expected to limit the potential for increased fire activity, allowing crews to continue securing the perimeter and expanding mop-up operations.

No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The next update is anticipated this evening following shift change, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.

10/18/2026

𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙋𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Firefighters complete fireline construction on West Fork Evans Creek Fire, increase containment to 25%.

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 17, 2026) – Firefighters have successfully established firelines around the entire 281-acre West Fork Evans Creek Fire, reaching 100% lined and increasing containment to 25% Saturday evening. With firelines holding and fire activity decreasing throughout the day, crews made significant progress securing the perimeter and conducting deeper mop-up operations as cooler temperatures and lighter winds created more favorable conditions.

Fire activity was minimal throughout much of the day as a persistent temperature inversion contributed to reduced fire behavior. The inversion, which extended into the afternoon, limited vertical air movement and atmospheric mixing by trapping cooler air beneath a layer of warmer air. This reduced the upward movement of heated air and smoke, helping limit the development of stronger convection and more active fire behavior.

With fireline construction complete, firefighters concentrated their efforts on securing the perimeter, conducting mop-up operations approximately 15 to 25 feet into the burned area. Overnight, crews will continue expanding that depth toward 40 feet where terrain and safety conditions allow, locating and extinguishing areas of heat that could threaten established lines.

Heavy concentrations of fuels continue to support burning within the fire's interior. While smoke and fire activity may still be visible in these areas, firefighters have successfully held the fire within its established perimeter. The priority remains preventing further spread while progressively increasing containment through continued mop-up operations.

Resources assigned to the incident include nine 20-person hand crews, one eight-person hand crew, 10 Type 6 engines, seven water tenders and three dozers, supported by two task force leaders, four heavy equipment bosses and additional overhead personnel. These resources will continue working throughout the night to strengthen firelines and secure areas of remaining heat. The Oregon Department of Forestry continues to coordinate suppression efforts with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The next update is anticipated Sunday morning, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.

10/17/2026

𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘼𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Firefighters push West Fork Evans Creek Fire to 95% lined as mop-up efforts expand.

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. (Oct. 17, 2026) - With fireline construction nearing completion, firefighters on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire are expanding suppression efforts to strengthen the perimeter and increase containment. Aggressive overnight work brought the fire to 95% lined and 15% contained, with crews concentrating much of their efforts on extending and connecting firelines. Hose lays are now established along all handlines constructed around the upper portions of the fire. The fire remains at 281 acres.

With nearly the entire perimeter now lined, firefighters are turning additional attention toward increasing containment while continuing to hold the fire within its current footprint. Today's objective is to extend mop-up efforts 25 to 40 feet into the burned area where terrain and safety conditions allow, extinguishing areas of heat that could threaten established lines. One spot fire was also identified and quickly attacked by firefighters, successfully stopping its spread.

Steep terrain and dense concentrations of fuels continue to present challenges for suppression efforts. Fallen leaves, dead and downed trees, and stumps provide additional material that can support continued burning and contribute to fire spread. These conditions require firefighters to thoroughly secure areas along the perimeter before they can be considered contained. With stronger winds anticipated today, crews are placing additional emphasis on reinforcing existing firelines and preventing the fire from spreading beyond its current footprint.

A substantial ground response continues today, with 11 20-person hand crews, nine Type 6 engines, nine water tenders and three dozers assigned to the incident. Additional resources include four task force leaders, two falling bosses, five falling modules and one additional faller. The increased number of hand crews will support expanded mop-up operations as firefighters work to secure more of the fire's perimeter. The Oregon Department of Forestry continues working in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, combining resources and suppression efforts across the incident. Three Type 1 helicopters and an air attack aircraft are also assigned to support suppression efforts. Aircraft will work alongside ground resources to address active areas of the fire and assist crews where needed.

Weather conditions are expected to be more favorable for suppression efforts today, with high temperatures in the low 70s and relative humidity remaining between 35% and 40%. For comparison, those humidity levels are similar to the overnight recovery experienced during the fire's first night. Although winds are expected to increase throughout the day, cooler temperatures and higher daytime humidity should help limit fire activity and provide crews with additional opportunities to strengthen containment.

No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the fire started. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The next update is anticipated this evening following shift change, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.

Address

5286 Table Rock Road
Central Point, OR
97502

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15416643328

Website

https://www.swofire.com/

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