Crews are working toward 150 feet of mop-up around the 283-acre fire near Sams Valley
FAST FIRE FACTS
Fire:
West Fork Evans Creek Fire
Location:
Near Sams Valley in northern Jackson County
Size:
283 acres
Containment:
48%
Current Activity:
Crews are extending mop-up operations up to 150 feet into the burned area while extinguishing remaining heat and addressing hazardous trees.
Resources:
15 20-person hand crews
1 eight-person hand crew
7 Type 6 engines
10 water tenders
1 dozer
Structures:
No structures lost or currently threatened
Cause:
Under investigation
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. — Firefighters are pushing deeper into the West Fork Evans Creek Fire Tuesday as containment climbs to 48% and established firelines continue holding around the 283-acre wildfire in northern Jackson County.
The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District said crews are working toward extending mop-up operations approximately 150 feet into the burned area, locating and extinguishing remaining heat that could threaten the perimeter.
Firefighters have steadily increased mop-up depth over the past several days as more of the fire has been secured. Crews were working approximately 25 to 30 feet inside the perimeter Sunday morning, expanded that work to as much as 60 feet later Sunday, and had completed approximately 100 feet of mop-up around the entire perimeter by Monday evening.
Steep and rocky terrain continues to complicate operations in portions of the fire. Firefighters are also addressing hazardous trees and pockets of remaining heat while navigating areas with limited access.
Despite those challenges, ODF said extensive mop-up has kept fire activity well within established lines.
Large ground response continues
Resources assigned Tuesday include 15 20-person hand crews, one eight-person hand crew, seven Type 6 engines, 10 water tenders, and one dozer.
Task force leaders, heavy equipment bosses, falling resources, and additional overhead personnel are also supporting the operation.
Some resources remain available for initial attack elsewhere in the district if new fires are reported.
Tuesday's staffing reflects a shift back toward a substantial daytime workforce after overnight resources were reduced Monday as more sections of the West Fork Evans Creek Fire became secure.
Drier weather returns Tuesday
Firefighters are expecting somewhat drier conditions Tuesday, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s and relative humidity dropping into the mid-20% range.
Winds are expected to remain relatively light, although afternoon gusts are possible.
Those conditions could contribute to increased fire activity, but the depth of ongoing mop-up operations and established firelines are expected to help limit the potential for additional spread.
Burned Terrain: The West Fork Evans Creek Fire burned through steep forested slopes, where difficult terrain continues to challenge mop-up and containment work. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
Containment steadily increases
Firefighters completed fireline around the entire perimeter Saturday evening, Oct. 17, when containment reached 25%.
By Sunday, crews had expanded mop-up around the perimeter and containment increased to approximately 30%.
An overnight drone flight also remapped the fire at 283 acres, up slightly from the previous 281-acre estimate. Officials said the two-acre adjustment reflected improved mapping and not additional fire growth.
Containment increased again to 45% Monday evening as firefighters completed approximately 100 feet of mop-up around the perimeter. Specialized falling crews also removed hazardous snags as far as 300 feet inside portions of the southern fire area.
Crews are now attempting to extend mop-up to approximately 150 feet where terrain and safety conditions allow.
No structures have been lost in the West Fork Evans Creek Fire, and none are currently threatened.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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