Douglas County Fire Crews Deploy to East Evans Creek Fire as Blaze Grows Beyond 3,100 Acres

Firefighters from several Douglas County agencies have been sent south to help battle the East Evans Creek Fire in Jackson County, where nearly 1,000 personnel are now working under a unified command structure.

Task Force ST01 left for the fire Saturday evening with personnel from Roseburg Fire, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, Sutherlin Fire, Riddle Fire Protection District, Tenmile Rural Fire District and Central Douglas Fire & Rescue.

The Douglas County crews are joining a large response focused on protecting homes and strengthening control lines around the fire, which was estimated at 3,152 acres Sunday evening.

The fire began Friday afternoon northeast of Medford after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, igniting dry vegetation near East Evans Creek Road. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what caused the crash.

Strong winds and high temperatures led to increased activity Sunday, particularly along the northwestern side of the fire. A large column of smoke became visible as flames burned through additional vegetation, but officials said firefighters successfully held the established control lines.

Air tankers made more than 20 retardant drops during the day, while helicopters dropped water on trees and other areas of intense heat. Firefighters on the ground continued building direct fireline where terrain and conditions allowed, while using roads and previously constructed firelines in harder-to-reach areas.

The reported acreage could increase again following additional infrared mapping. Officials said some of the northwestern control line was constructed away from the active fire’s edge, allowing vegetation inside the perimeter to continue burning.

Structural firefighters assigned through the Oregon State Fire Marshal spent Sunday working around homes inside and near the fire area. Crews extinguished hidden hot spots, removed flammable vegetation and improved access for engines and other emergency equipment.

Patrols also continued through nearby neighborhoods to watch for embers, smoke and new fires that could threaten structures.

Approximately 1,000 firefighters, support personnel and incident management staff are currently assigned to the response. No injuries or illnesses have been reported among those working on the fire.

Several areas remain under Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices. A shelter for residents and domestic pets is open at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill. Horses can be sheltered at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point, although owners are asked to call 541-776-7206 before arriving to confirm space is available.

Crews working overnight were expected to take advantage of cooler temperatures to improve control lines, search for fire outside the perimeter and continue mop-up work near homes along the southern portion of the fire.