East Evans Creek Fire Crosses Lines Again Near Board Mountain
Firefighters contain an eastern slopover and a new spot at Canyon Creek while crews battle increased activity southwest of Boswell Mountain
FAST FIRE FACTS
Name: East Evans Creek Fire
Location: Approximately 7 miles west of Shady Cove
Acres: 14,442, latest official perimeter mapping
Containment: 8%, latest reported
Primary Activity: Southern Board Mountain area southwest of Boswell Mountain
Board Mountain: Fire crossed control lines again Sunday; eastern slopover controlled while crews remain engaged southwest of Boswell Mountain
Canyon Creek: Approximately half-acre slopover quickly contained after a burning tree fell across the control line
Main Fire: Predominantly mop-up and line-strengthening operations
Hull Mountain Spot Fire: More stable, with extended mop-up underway
Structure Protection: Antioch, Jones Road, Pomeroy, Shady Cove, Trail, Long Branch, Dry Creek and surrounding communities
Aircraft: Helicopters began operating earlier after five aircraft were relocated outside the inversion zone; a large airtanker was ordered Sunday afternoon
Fire Weather: Hot, dry and unstable conditions with shifting winds and a low potential for dry thunderstorms
Fire Danger: Extreme across ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties
Evacuations: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 notices remain active
Latest Maps: View current East Evans Creek Fire maps
Cause: Vehicle crashed into a power pole; the cause of the crash remains under investigation
Updated: Sunday evening, July 19, 2026
East Evans Creek Fire PM update for 7/19/26.
The July 19 public information map shows the East Evans Creek Fire at 14,442 acres, including the main fire and associated spot-fire perimeters extending east toward Board Mountain and Boswell Mountain. No new infrared flight was completed overnight, but updated official perimeter mapping was released Sunday morning. View all current maps on the East Evans Creek Fire Maps page. (Oregon Department of Forestry)
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. — Hot, dry conditions tested firefighters again Sunday as the East Evans Creek Fire crossed established control lines near Board Mountain, prompting an aggressive response from aircraft and crews on the ground.
Firefighters had made steady progress earlier in the day, aided by a strategy that moved several helicopters outside the morning inversion zone so they could begin flying sooner.
By afternoon, however, fire activity increased along the southern and eastern edges of the Board Mountain spot fire.
An eastern slopover was brought under control, while firefighters remained actively engaged Sunday evening southwest of Boswell Mountain, where fire again crossed established lines.
A large airtanker carrying retardant was ordered to support the effort.
The latest official perimeter mapping released Sunday morning places the East Evans Creek Fire at 14,442 acres. Containment remains 8% based on the latest reported figure.
BOARD MOUNTAIN AGAIN TESTS CONTROL LINES
Firefighters work through burned and smoke-filled timber on the East Evans Creek Fire as crews strengthen control lines and continue suppression operations in steep terrain. (Oregon Department of Forestry)
The Board Mountain spot fire remains the most challenging portion of the incident.
Firefighters spent Sunday strengthening and connecting lines around areas that expanded during Saturday’s wind-driven activity.
Those efforts were tested again during the afternoon as fire crossed control lines along portions of the southern and eastern edges.
Crews successfully controlled the eastern slopover.
Southwest of Boswell Mountain, firefighters remained engaged Sunday evening as crews worked to establish and reinforce containment around additional fire activity.
Structural resources remain positioned near homes in the Antioch, Jones Road and Pomeroy areas, providing protection while also supporting wildland suppression operations.
CANYON CREEK SLOPOVER QUICKLY CONTAINED
Firefighters also responded to a new challenge on the Canyon Creek spot fire Sunday.
A burning tree fell across the control line and carried embers into unburned vegetation west of the fire perimeter, creating a slopover estimated at approximately half an acre.
Crews and helicopters carrying water buckets quickly attacked the fire before it could spread farther.
The slopover was contained, and firefighters continued mop-up operations Sunday evening.
Structural resources remain assigned throughout the Shady Cove, Trail, Long Branch and Dry Creek areas as part of the incident’s structure protection plan.
HELICOPTER RELOCATION PAYS OFF
Moving five helicopters outside the morning inversion zone proved effective Sunday.
The aircraft were able to begin operating earlier in the day rather than waiting for smoke trapped beneath the inversion to clear.
Structural water tenders supplied dip sites used by helicopters, helping maintain a steady pace of water drops throughout the day.
Aircraft supported ground crews by cooling active fire and creating opportunities for firefighters to work closer to the edge.
Cover image: A Woodburn Fire District water tender supports helicopter operations on the East Evans Creek Fire, supplying water used at dip sites to help aircraft maintain a steady pace of water drops. (Oregon Department of Forestry)
MAIN FIRE AND HULL MOUNTAIN REMAIN MORE STABLE
Fire activity remained comparatively limited across the main fire and the spot fire northwest of Hull Mountain.
Crews installed additional hose lays to push mop-up operations farther into burned areas and increase the depth of extinguished fuels behind established control lines.
On the main fire, firefighters will continue working deeper into the footprint overnight to reduce the chance that remaining heat reaches containment lines.
Resources assigned to more stable portions of the incident remain available to quickly reinforce areas where fire activity increases.
Structural preparation in the Ramsey Canyon Road area has been completed, while high-capacity pumps continue supporting water delivery for wildland operations.
CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER REMAINS PRIMARY CONCERN
Exceptionally dry vegetation, heavy fuels, steep terrain and persistent heat continue to create significant spotting potential.
Fire officials said strengthened control lines have reduced risk in many areas, but weather remains the primary operational concern.
Hot temperatures, shifting winds and a small possibility of dry thunderstorms could rapidly change fire behavior.
Incident meteorologists are also watching the potential arrival of monsoonal moisture early in the week before another period of hot, dry and breezy conditions returns later.
COMMUNITY MEETING DRAWS STRONG TURNOUT
Sunday afternoon’s community meeting in Shady Cove drew a strong turnout both in person and online.
Fire officials provided an operational update and answered questions as crews continued suppression and structure protection work across the incident.
Incident managers said providing timely and transparent information remains a priority as firefighters continue working around the clock.
FIRE RESOURCES SUPPORT NEW INITIAL ATTACK
Resources assigned to the East Evans Creek Fire also supported initial attack on a new fire start within the ODF Southwest Oregon District Sunday evening.
Incident officials said the coordinated response allows firefighters and equipment to assist with emerging incidents while maintaining suppression operations on the East Evans Creek Fire.
LATEST FIRE MAPS
The July 19 operations map shows the East Evans Creek Fire at 14,442 acres, including the main fire and associated spot-fire perimeters extending east toward Board Mountain and Boswell Mountain. No new infrared flight was completed overnight, but updated official perimeter mapping was released Sunday morning. View all current maps on the East Evans Creek Fire Maps page. (Oregon Department of Forestry)
The latest official public information map released Sunday places the East Evans Creek Fire at 14,442 acres.
No new infrared flight was completed Saturday night because increased wildfire activity across Oregon has increased demand for aviation resources.
The available July 19 perimeter map shows the main fire and associated spot-fire areas extending east toward Board Mountain and Boswell Mountain.
Sunday afternoon’s additional fire activity occurred after that perimeter was mapped, including areas where the Board Mountain spot fire again crossed established lines. The displayed perimeter should therefore not be interpreted as reflecting all activity that occurred later Sunday.
View the complete collection of current public information, infrared, operations and briefing maps on the East Evans Creek Fire Maps page.
Fire Weather
A map of Watches, Warnings, and Advisories from NWS Medford shows the region expected to experience issues with air quality.
Critical fire weather remains one of the biggest concerns for firefighters.
Hot temperatures, very dry vegetation and shifting winds contributed to increased activity Sunday afternoon, particularly around Board Mountain.
Firefighters are preparing for:
Continued hot and dry conditions
Shifting and potentially gusty winds
Elevated spotting potential
A low possibility of dry thunderstorms
Lightning capable of starting new fires in critically dry fuels
Incident meteorologists are monitoring the potential for increased monsoonal moisture early in the week.
Any moisture could temporarily moderate conditions, but another period of hot, dry and breezy weather is expected later in the week.
Morning inversions may continue trapping smoke near the surface and limiting visibility before conditions improve later in the day.
Smoke may settle into valleys and other low-lying areas, affecting visibility and air quality.
FIRE DANGER
Extreme fire danger remains in effect on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands across Jackson and Josephine counties. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level remains at Level 2.
Activities prohibited under Extreme fire danger include:
Using power saws, including battery- and electric-powered chainsaws
Cutting, grinding or welding metal
Mowing dried or cured grass
Operating other spark-emitting internal-combustion equipment
Mowing green, irrigated lawns and agricultural harvesting remain exempt.
Debris burning, fireworks, tracer ammunition and exploding targets remain prohibited. Campfires and charcoal fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds.
ODF urges residents and visitors to use extreme caution with anything that could start a fire and immediately report new fires by calling 911.
EVACUATION LEVELS
The latest evacuation map showing level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations due to the East Evans Creek Fire. Residents should use the interactive Genasys map to check current conditions for a specific address. (Project Genasys)
Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices remain active in portions of Jackson and Douglas counties.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office upgraded evacuation levels Saturday evening as fire activity increased.
Because evacuation zones can change rapidly, residents should rely on the most recent county alerts and live evacuation mapping for their current status.
Level 3, Go: means leave immediately.
Level 2, Set: means be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
Level 1, Ready: means remain alert, prepare your belongings and be ready for conditions to change.
Check your current evacuation zone and live evacuation map.
Level 3: Go Now
JAC-017
JAC-109
JAC-124
JAC-126
JAC-149B
Residents in Level 3 zones should remain out of the area until officials announce it is safe to return.
Level 2: Be Set
JAC-016
JAC-026
JAC-111
JAC-112
JAC-127
JAC-131
JAC-132
JAC-133
JAC-134
JAC-147
JAC-148
JAC-149A
JAC-203B
Level 1: Be Ready
JAC-003
JAC-004
JAC-014
JAC-036
JAC-158
JAC-203A
DOU-1012
DOU-1015
SHC-151
SHC-152
SHC-153
SHC-154
SHC-156
SHC-157
SHC-158
The SHC zones place Shady Cove under a Level 1: Be Ready notice.
Evacuation levels and boundaries may change as conditions develop. Residents should continue monitoring county alerts and verify their address through the official evacuation map.
EVACUATION SHELTER
Eagle Point Middle School at 477 Reese Creek Road is serving as the evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets affected by the East Evans Creek Fire. (Google Street View)
The evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets remains open at:
Eagle Point Middle School
477 Reese Creek Road, Eagle Point, OR 97524
Pets are welcome on the shelter property but cannot enter the school building. The American Red Cross has established a designated area for domestic pets.
Livestock sheltering remains available through the Jackson County Expo:
Jackson County Expo
21 Peninger Road, Central Point
Owners should call 541-776-7206 before arriving to confirm space is available. The same number may be used for medical or livestock sheltering assistance.
A Jackson County Roads employee staffs a closure as an electronic sign warns drivers of nearby fire activity. (Courtesy Jackson County Parks)
CLOSURES
The following closures remain in effect:
Tiller-Trail Highway from the Jackson County line to Highway 62
East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road
West Fork Evans Creek Road
Rock Creek Road
Rogue Elk Park, including the campground, day-use area and boat ramp
Dodge Bridge Boat Ramp, currently used as a firefighting water-supply site
BLM-administered lands near the fire remain closed to public entry, including hunting, hiking and camping.
A 24-hour Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire. Flying a drone near the incident is illegal and may force firefighting aircraft to stop operating.
Cover photo: Active fire burns through timber overnight as crews continue working to secure the East Evans Creek Fire following wind-driven activity near Board Mountain and Boswell Mountain. (Oregon Department of Forestry)
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