Firefighters increased containment on the East Evans Creek Fire to 17 percent as they take advantage of cooler overnight conditions to extinguish hot spots. The fire, which has burned 15,705 acres, remains active as crews transition into a methodical mop-up phase to secure the perimeter.
Overnight teams used infrared technology to locate hidden heat sources, allowing daytime crews to prioritize areas that could potentially rekindle. Along the eastern edge of the fire, mop-up has progressed up to 150 feet into the interior, while crews around homes have pushed those efforts roughly 200 feet from structures to increase safety.
On the Board Mountain spot fire, personnel are removing unburned vegetation and felling hazardous trees to improve access for heavy equipment and helicopters in the steep, difficult terrain. To the northwest, near Hull Mountain and Ramsey Canyon Road, firefighters are using high-pressure pump systems to reach heat pockets in areas where the fire burned unevenly.
Structural protection efforts continue in the Antioch, Jones Road, Pomeroy, and Long Branch areas. Because the threat to structures has decreased in several locations, some state fire marshal task forces are beginning to return to their home agencies to bolster the statewide response for other emerging fires. However, resources remain strategically positioned to respond if conditions on the East Evans Creek Fire change.
Weather remains a significant concern for the 2,343 personnel assigned to the incident. Forecasters expect triple-digit temperatures and a potential for isolated thunderstorms today. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Wednesday, with the possibility of lightning strikes that could spark new fires before hot and breezy conditions return later this week.
The fire was caused by a vehicle crashing into a power pole on July 10. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash.
Evacuation notices remain in place for portions of Jackson and Douglas counties. Several roads and Bureau of Land Management areas near the fire are closed to the public, including East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road. Officials remind the public that a Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect and that flying drones near the fire is illegal and will ground all firefighting aircraft.