281-acre West Fork Evans Creek Fire 95% lined near Sams Valley
Crews expand mop-up as firefighters strengthen containment ahead of stronger winds in northern Jackson County
FAST FIRE FACTS
Fire:
West Fork Evans Creek Fire
Location:
Near Sams Valley in northern Jackson County
Size: 281 acres
Status: 95% lined and 15% contained
Current Activity:
Crews are expanding mop-up operations and reinforcing firelines ahead of stronger winds
Resources:
11 20-person hand crews
9 Type 6 engines
9 water tenders
3 dozers
3 Type 1 helicopters
1 Air Attack aircraft
Structures:
No structures lost or currently threatened
Cause:
Under investigation
Aerial View: Smoke rises from the West Fork Evans Creek Fire as it burns across steep, forested terrain in northern Jackson County. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. — Firefighters have pushed the West Fork Evans Creek Fire to 95% lined and 15% contained as crews expand mop-up operations on the 281-acre wildfire in northern Jackson County.
Aggressive overnight work brought nearly the entire perimeter into line, with firefighters extending and connecting firelines around the upper portions of the fire. Hose lays are now established along all handlines constructed in those areas.
With fireline construction nearing completion, crews are turning more attention toward increasing containment and securing the fire within its current footprint.
Firefighters plan to extend mop-up operations 25 to 40 feet into the burned area where terrain and safety conditions allow, extinguishing remaining heat that could threaten established lines.
One spot fire was discovered and quickly attacked, with crews stopping its spread.
Steep terrain, heavy fuels remain challenges
Steep terrain and dense concentrations of fuels continue to complicate suppression efforts.
Fallen leaves, dead and downed trees, and stumps can hold heat and continue burning well after the main fire front has passed. Firefighters must thoroughly secure those areas before sections of the perimeter can be considered contained.
Stronger winds are expected Saturday, prompting crews to place additional emphasis on reinforcing firelines and preventing the fire from escaping its current footprint.
Weather conditions are otherwise expected to become more favorable, with temperatures in the low 70s and relative humidity between 35% and 40%. Cooler temperatures and higher daytime humidity are expected to help limit fire activity compared with the warmer, drier conditions firefighters faced earlier in the incident.
Active Fire Behavior: Heavy smoke and active burning are visible in a timbered area during the early stages of the West Fork Evans Creek Fire. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
Large ground and air response continues
A substantial firefighting force remains assigned to the West Fork Evans Creek Fire.
Saturday's resources include 11 20-person hand crews, nine Type 6 engines, nine water tenders, and three dozers.
Four task force leaders, two falling bosses, five falling modules, and an additional faller are also assigned to support operations and address hazardous trees.
Three Type 1 helicopters and an Air Attack aircraft are assigned to support ground crews and respond to areas of active fire as needed.
The Oregon Department of Forestry continues coordinating suppression efforts with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Fireline Operations: Firefighters coordinate suppression work near an active portion of the West Fork Evans Creek Fire. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
Fire grew rapidly after Thursday start
West Fork Evans Creek Fire: An aerial view shows the fire burning through rugged terrain near Sams Valley in northern Jackson County. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
The West Fork Evans Creek Fire was first reported just before 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, as an approximately 15-acre grass fire along West Fork Evans Creek Road.
The fire started outside the East Evans Creek Fire burn scar and initially grew quickly as winds along the ridgetops, steep terrain, and areas of slash contributed to active fire behavior.
By Thursday evening, the fire was estimated at 75 to 80 acres. Firefighters established line along approximately 20% of the perimeter before continuing suppression work overnight.
By Friday morning, the fire had grown to approximately 200 acres and was 30% lined. Crews also successfully held a roughly two-acre spot fire about 1,000 feet from the main fire.
A more accurate aerial assessment Friday evening mapped the fire at 281 acres. Continued work by ground crews and aircraft brought the fire to 80% lined and 15% contained before another night of suppression operations pushed the lined perimeter to 95%.
Water Support: Firefighters refill portable water tanks supporting suppression operations on the West Fork Evans Creek Fire. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
Despite its late-season timing, dry fuels and periods of warm, windy weather have continued to support active fire behavior in portions of southern Oregon.
No structures have been lost in the West Fork Evans Creek Fire, and none are currently threatened.
The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent and remains under investigation.
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