Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
East Evans Creek Fire Activity Increases as Crews Brace for Thunderstorms
Fire activity increased across portions of the East Evans Creek Fire Monday, prompting additional resource orders and a Level 3 evacuation upgrade for JAC-124. Crews are preparing for thunderstorms, erratic winds and possible new fire starts while southern control lines continue to hold.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 3,628 Acres, 5% Contained
The East Evans Creek Fire grew to an estimated 3,628 acres and remains 5% contained after hot, windy conditions increased fire activity Sunday. Nearly 1,000 personnel are supporting the response, while officials said established control lines continued to hold.
East Evans Creek Fire Lines Hold Despite Increased Activity, Large Smoke Plume
Hot and windy conditions increased fire activity on the north end of the East Evans Creek Fire Sunday evening, producing a large smoke plume visible across the valley. Officials said established lines continued to hold and the fire was not gaining ground. All evacuation levels remain in place overnight.
East Evans Creek Fire Remains at 2,656 Acres as Wind Gusts Test Lines
The East Evans Creek Fire remains estimated at 2,656 acres and 0% containment west of Shady Cove. Crews strengthened southern fire lines overnight as officials warned gusts up to 30 mph could challenge suppression efforts Sunday. Evacuation levels remain unchanged.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 2,656 Acres as Lines Hold, Teams Take Command
Containment lines held Saturday on the Evans Creek Road Fire as crews limited additional growth and state incident management teams assumed unified command. The fire is estimated at 2,656 acres, with an infrared flight planned to confirm its size.
East Evans Creek Fire Grows to 2,000 Acres as 400 Firefighters Mobilize
The Evans Creek Road Fire has grown to approximately 2,000 acres, with more than 400 personnel assigned Saturday. Crews are preparing for warm, dry and breezy conditions as ODF Incident Management Team 1 mobilizes to take command of the fire.
Crews Work Through Night on Evans Creek Road Fire
Firefighters worked through the night on the Evans Creek Road Fire after hot, dry conditions and multiple spot fires drove rapid growth Friday. The fire was last estimated at approximately 1,550 acres, with Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices still active Saturday morning.
State Reinforcements Head to Evans Creek Road Fire
State reinforcements are headed to the Evans Creek Road Fire after Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is deploying its Blue Incident Management Team and four structural task forces to support local crews.
Evans Creek Road Fire Grows to 1,550 Acres, Crosses Two Roads
The Evans Creek Road Fire surged to an estimated 700 to 1,000 acres Friday evening as multiple spot fires drove rapid growth. A Level 3 evacuation order is in place near East Evans Creek Road, while crews prepare for overnight operations under an incoming ODF incident management team.
UPDATED: Hole in the Ground Fire Holds at 83 Acres in Northern Lake County
The Hole in the Ground Fire held at 83 acres overnight near Hole in the Ground Vista Point in northern Lake County, with crews continuing mop-up and line security Sunday.
Foundations, Les Schwab Commit $1M to Rural Wildfire Readiness
Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and Les Schwab Tire Centers are partnering to provide at least $1 million in wildfire preparedness support for rural Oregon communities. The effort includes quick-response grants and $100,000 in donated tires for Rangeland Fire Protection Associations statewide.
One Spark Can Start a Wildfire
BLM officials are urging visitors to check fire restrictions before heading onto public lands this summer, warning that local rules can vary by district and conditions. The reminder comes with a simple message for fire season: one spark can threaten firefighters, homes, and entire communities.
Yoss Creek Fire Fully Lined North of Chiloquin
Firefighters worked through the night on the Yoss Creek Fire north of Chiloquin, keeping the human-caused fire at approximately 8 acres. SCOFMP says the fire is fully lined, with no structures threatened and no road closures reported.
Fire Weather Watch Issued for Klamath, Lake, Modoc and Siskiyou Counties
The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Klamath, Lake, Siskiyou and Modoc counties, warning that thunderstorms could bring abundant lightning, dry fuels and gusty outflow winds late Thursday night through Friday night.
Mutual Aid Response Helps Stop West Jones Fire at 17 Acres
Rural Metro Fire says a fast mutual-aid response helped stop the West Jones Fire at 17 acres Monday evening near Grants Pass. Several homes were threatened along West Jones Creek Road and Rancho Vista Drive, but officials said all residences were protected.
UPDATED: West Jones Fire Prompts Evacuations
The West Jones Fire evacuation has been reduced from Level 3 “GO NOW” to Level 1 as crews make progress northeast of Grants Pass. Rural Metro Fire says the fire remains estimated at 8 to 10 acres, with crews continuing to protect homes and Rancho Vista Drive still closed due to emergency vehicle traffic.
Fire Season Now Active Across Oregon
All Oregon Department of Forestry districts are now in fire season, triggering prevention reminders and local restrictions across the state. In Southern Oregon and Northern California, agencies are also updating fire danger levels, burn rules and equipment-use restrictions as conditions dry out.
UPDATED: Crews Hold Spencer Gulch Fire at 75 Acres
Firefighters made strong progress Monday on the Spencer Gulch Fire near Jacksonville, and all evacuation levels have been canceled. ODF Southwest Oregon says the fire remains 75 acres, with hose line around the perimeter and overnight crews continuing mop-up work.
Fire Danger Rises to Moderate Thursday Across Jackson, Josephine Counties
Fire danger on ODF-protected lands across Jackson and Josephine counties will rise to moderate Thursday, bringing new restrictions on campfires, chainsaws, mowing and other spark-producing activities. SCOFMP already lists moderate fire danger across parts of Klamath and Lake counties.
DFPA Crews Catch Five Fires Since Fire Season Began
Fire crews in the Douglas District have responded to five fires since the start of fire season, including incidents near Canyonville, Myrtle Creek, Tyee and Roseburg. DFPA says all five fires were contained quickly, but crews have also responded to about 15 illegal debris burn calls.