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.
I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Mapped at 96 Acres, Line Completed Around Perimeter
Firefighters completed line around the entire perimeter of the I-5 MM 57 Fire overnight. Infrared mapping measured the fire at 96 acres, but officials say the higher acreage reflects improved mapping rather than overnight growth.
Forward Progress Stopped on Third-Alarm White City Fire
Forward progress has been stopped on a third-alarm industrial fire in White City. The fire began at 2645 Avenue G, spread into surrounding businesses, and reached the fence separating the incident from the VA property.
I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Estimated at 75 to 80 Acres, One Residence Reportedly Lost
An I-5 wildfire near Beacon Hill in Grants Pass grew to 75 acres Saturday evening as crews built hand and dozer line around 30% of the fire. Level 3 evacuations remain in place, two MAFFS aircraft are supporting the response, and initial reports indicate one residence was lost.
In Photos: Smoke, Fire and Community Response
The East Evans Creek Fire reached 90% containment 21 days after igniting west of Shady Cove. Photographs submitted by residents, firefighters, and fire command capture the smoke, evacuations, aircraft, public meetings, community support, and crews who worked to protect life and property.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 78% Containment as Mop-Up Continues
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 78% as crews continue extinguishing hidden heat, removing hose and repairing suppression lines. Infrared mapping identified several hotspots within the 300-foot mop-up zone near Dry Creek, which firefighters quickly extinguished.
All Evacuations Canceled as Crews Search East Evans Creek Fire for Hotspots
All evacuation notices and road closures associated with the East Evans Creek Fire have been lifted as firefighters continue searching for hidden heat. The fire remains at 15,580 acres and 66% containment, with infrared-equipped aircraft guiding mop-up and three chippers supporting suppression repair.
Florida Team Takes Command as East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 66% Containment
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 66% as a Florida incident management team assumes command. Firefighters have completed more than 300 feet of mop-up in many areas, while hose and equipment continue coming off secured portions of the 15,580-acre fire.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 54% Containment as Crews Begin Pulling Hose
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 54% as crews push mop-up beyond 200 feet in many areas and begin removing hose and equipment from the western perimeter. The fire remains at 15,580 acres, with a Florida incident management team set to take command Monday.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 46% Containment as Night Operations Shift to Patrol
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 46% as crews continue deep mop-up and prepare to shift overnight operations to patrol. Improved field mapping reduced the official size to 15,580 acres, while seven helicopters remain available and a new incident management team will assume command Monday.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 38% Containment as Evacuations Ease Again
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 38% as firefighters push deeper into mop-up and evacuation levels ease again. The fire remains at 15,705 acres with minimal smoke visible, while crews begin suppression repair and remove equipment from increasingly secure portions of the incident.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 33% Containment as Crews Shift Deeper Into Mop-Up
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 33% after crews held established lines through another round of strong winds. The fire remains at 15,705 acres with no overnight growth as firefighters work toward a massive 2,300-acre mop-up goal and some resources begin transitioning to suppression repair.
No New Growth as Firefighters Make Progress Ahead of Red Flag Weather
The East Evans Creek Fire held at 15,705 acres overnight with no new growth reported as containment remains at 26%. Crews are pushing mop-up as far as 150 feet into portions of the fire, while a Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning and wind gusts up to 45 mph could test firelines Wednesday.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 26% Containment as Evacuations Ease
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire climbed to 26% Tuesday as firefighters continued deep mop-up and evacuation levels were reduced around the incident. All evacuation notices have been lifted in Douglas County, while some resources are beginning to move to other fires as conditions improve.
Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires Hold Steady as Crews Deepen Mop-Up Near Cave Junction
Firefighters made additional progress overnight on the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires near Cave Junction, pushing mop-up deeper into both fire areas while preparing for another day of extreme heat and critically dry fuels.
UPDATED: East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 15,705 Acres as Mop-Up Expands, Containment Holds at 17%
The East Evans Creek Fire is now mapped at 15,705 acres as firefighters continue expanding mop-up and strengthening containment lines across the incident. Crews have pushed as far as 150 feet into parts of the fire footprint and up to 200 feet around some homes, while triple-digit heat and thunderstorms remain concerns.
Containment Climbs to 17% as Crews Catch New Spot Fires on East Evans Creek Fire
Firefighters caught several new spot fires and breaches of control line Monday as the East Evans Creek Fire entered its 10th day. Despite hot and windy conditions, crews expanded mop-up, strengthened more than 60 miles of control line and increased containment to 17%.
Crews Complete Line Around Active Board Mountain Area as East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 15,015 Acres
The East Evans Creek Fire enters its 10th day with firefighters reporting progress around the active Board Mountain area, where crews completed line and reinforced sections challenged by fire Sunday. Control lines held across the main fire overnight, but dry fuels, heat and afternoon winds remain concerns.
Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires Near Cave Junction Fully Lined After Overnight Push
Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires near Cave Junction, completing line and hose around both incidents. The Waldo Fire has been remapped at just over 30 acres, while the Ridge Vista Fire remains at 15 acres as crews shift deeper into mop-up operations.
East Evans Creek Fire Crosses Lines Again Near Board Mountain
Critical fire weather tested the East Evans Creek Fire again Sunday as flames crossed control lines near Board Mountain and crews battled increased activity southwest of Boswell Mountain. Firefighters contained an eastern slopover and quickly stopped a separate half-acre spot at Canyon Creek.
Crews Reposition as Winds Threaten East Evans Creek Fire Lines
Firefighters are repositioning resources along the southern edge of the Board Mountain spot fire Sunday as hot, dry and windy conditions threaten containment. Overnight crews made progress after Saturday’s wind-driven activity, while damage assessments identified one long-vacant residence and five outbuildings.