SAMS VALLEY, Ore.--
The Oregon Department of Forestry says the fire has stayed at 300 acres even though windy conditions tested fire lines last night. ODF says lines are holding strong. Containment has stayed the same.
Today the focus will once again be on mop-up operations and falling trees. ODF refers to these as snaps. "Clearing hazards will be on of today's top priorities" said ODF on it's Facebook page.
More than 200 personnel are still on the fire. The Level 3 and Level 1 evacuations are still in place.
(Updated 8/4/2019 9:30 A.M.)
ODF confirms crews have completely lined the East Evans Fire.
Firefighters will continue work to strengthen those lines Saturday afternoon.
(Updated 8/3/2019 2:00PM)
The East Evans Fire is now 70% lined. Crews worked overnight on lining fire.
More than 200 personnel will be working on the fire today. Their goal is to finish the fire line and strengthen the perimeter. The fire is still 300 acres.
One firefighter was injured overnight because of snaps and steep terrain. He was transported by air to a local hospital with a serious injuries. " Safety is our #1 priority and crews will continue to mitigate risks and engage the fire as safe as possible." said the Oregon Department of Forestry in a Facebook post on its page.
ODF says hot temperatures and windy conditions will add additional challenges for firefighters. Aircraft will focus on any potential spread. Here's a breakdown of the resources being used today: "10 20-man crews, 10 engines, four tree fallers, four bulldozers, and six water tenders. Additionally, one LAT, five SEATs, and a lead plane will begin making retardant drops as early as the smoke lifts to bolster temporary and existing fire lines. Helicopters available include five type ones, two type twos, and on type three; those resources will also be making water drops throughout the day." said ODF on it's Facebook page.
The Level 3 and Level 1 evacuations are still in place.
(Updated 8/3/2019 9:00 A.M.)
Eleven homes are under a level 3 or "GO" evacuation notice tonight. These are for people who live on East Evans Creek Road with house numbers between 18721-18998.
Deputies also gave Level 1 or "BE READY" notifications. This impacts 18 homes between 18818-20252.
Everyone under an evacuation notice has been notified in person.
East Evans Creek Road between May Creek Road and Meadow Road remains closed Friday night.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office asks people to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely.
(Updated 8/2/2019 9:51 P.M.)
ODF says firefighters are making progress on the East Evans Fire.
It's estimated to be 300 acres. Crews have managed to line 10% of the perimeter.
The East Evans Fire was reported to dispatch as a structure fire at approximately 2 p.m. Friday afternoon in the 18000 block of East Evans Creek Road.
With the location provided, ODF detection cameras located a thick smoke column, prompting a block response. Eight engines, four helicopters, five SEATs, two LATs, and an air attack plane began an aggressive initial attack; however, fire activity escalated quickly; by 5 p.m., the fire grew to approximately 300 acres.
By 7:00 p.m., repeated retardant drops assisted in stopping the initial spread of the fire, creating a temporary fire line.
The fire is burning away from houses, however some evacuations have been made by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies gave an immediate evacuation notice (LEVEL 3) to five residences in the area.
Deputies are also making door-to-door LEVEL 1 evacuation notices in the area of East Evans Creek Road between the 18500-block and Meadows Road (north side of the roadway). At this time, a Red Cross Shelter has not been set up. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
(Update 8/2/2019 8:11 PM)
UPDATE 5:15 PM--ODF confirms a structure fire spread and caused the wildland fire. They estimate it could grow to 800 acres by 6 pm.
UPDATE 4:47 PM--The fire is now estimated to be 250 acres, according to ODF.
UPDATE 4:45 PM--Jackson County Sheriff deputies are making door-to-door LEVEL 1 evacuation notices. Five residences were notified to evacuate immediately (LEVEL 3). The affected residences are in the area of East Evans Creek Road between the 18500-block and Meadows Road (north side of the roadway). The fire appears to be burning away from structures at this time. Deputies will continue to contact people in the area to advise them of the potential for future evacuations.
UPDATE 4:21 pm--The fire on East Evans Creek Road is now estimated to be 160 acres. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is on the scene and assessing potential evacuations.
Multiple crews, engines, water tenders, dozers, and aircraft remain actively engaged in the fire. We’re asking the public to avoid the area. A portion of the 18000 block of East Evans Creek is closed.
UPDATE 4:08--Due to a wildfire, East Evans Creek Roads is closed between Meadows Road (MP 8) and May Creek Road (MP 17). Please avoid the area.
ORIGINAL--Firefighters are arriving at the scene of a fire on East Evans Creek road. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, it’s estimated to be five acres with a structure fully involved.
Eight engines, four helicopters, five SEATs, two LATs, and an air attack plane are en route and will begin an aggressive initial attack.
The cause has not been determined. No evacuations or road closures have been made.
Newswatch 12 has a reporter headed to the fire.
