East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 78% Containment as Mop-Up Continues
Infrared mapping finds remaining hotspots near Dry Creek while crews remove hose, chip debris and repair suppression lines
FAST FIRE FACTS
Acres: 15,580
Containment: 78%
Evacuations: All canceled
Road Closures: All lifted
Current Focus:
Mop-up, hot-spot detection, equipment removal, and suppression repair
Infrared:
UAS mapping remaining heat near the fireline
Resources:
914 personnel
34 hand crews
31 engines
21 heavy equipment units
24 water tenders
5 aircraft
Weather:
Warm and dry, with temperatures near 90 degrees, low humidity, and gusty afternoon breezes
Infrared Map: A UAS infrared map shows remaining isolated heat near Dry Creek within the 300-foot mop-up zone, helping crews pinpoint hotspots that still require attention. (Oregon Department of Forestry)
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. — Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 78% as firefighters continue extinguishing remaining hotspots, removing equipment and repairing areas disturbed during suppression work.
The fire remains at 15,580 acres, unchanged from the previous update. Containment was reported at 66% Tuesday.
Crews made steady progress Wednesday while cooler overnight temperatures and relative humidity recoveries between 80% and 90% created favorable conditions for mop-up.
All evacuation notices and road closures associated with the fire remain lifted.
INFRARED MAPPING FINDS HEAT NEAR DRY CREEK
An infrared-equipped Uncrewed Aircraft System mapped lingering heat across the fire, helping crews locate hotspots that were not visible from the ground.
On the southern side of the fire near Dry Creek, infrared mapping identified several hotspots within the 300-foot mop-up zone. Firefighters reached the locations and extinguished the remaining heat.
Crews continue systematically searching burned areas for heat concealed beneath logs, root systems and other heavy fuels.
Light interior smoke may remain visible as isolated pockets of heavier material slowly burn within the established perimeter.
Cover Image / Hose Backhaul: Firefighters carry bundled hose from a secured section of the East Evans Creek Fire as equipment removal expands alongside continued mop-up and suppression repair. (InciWeb)
HOSE REMOVAL AND REPAIR CONTINUE
Firefighters are conducting daily reconnaissance while continuing mop-up and strengthening containment lines where needed.
Crews are also backhauling hose and equipment from sections where it is no longer required.
Chippers remain active throughout the incident, processing brush and small trees removed while firefighters built control lines and gained access to the fire.
The incident remains staffed by 914 personnel, including 34 hand crews, 31 engines, 21 pieces of heavy equipment, 24 water tenders and five aircraft.
WARM, DRY CONDITIONS EXPECTED
Thursday’s forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-80s to around 90 degrees, low relative humidity and gusty afternoon breezes.
Those conditions could increase activity in remaining interior fuels, although firefighters continue focusing on hidden heat near the perimeter and strengthening sections of line where needed.
A 24-hour Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area. Unauthorized drones are prohibited because they can endanger pilots and firefighters and interfere with firefighting aircraft.
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