East Evans Creek Fire Mop-Up Continues, Resources Shift Due to Progress
Mop-up operations continue on the East Evans Creek Fire, with resources beginning to shift due to forward progress across the incident. The latest update from the Oregon Department of Forestry reports the blaze is at 26% containment, with resources holding it at 15,705 acres with no new overnight growth. Night shift crews made progress mopping up along the perimeter on the main fire and all spots. Thanks to the effectiveness of coordinated suppression efforts, the threat to structures has been significantly reduced on the East Evans Creek Fire. As a result, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has strategically reduced the number of structural task forces assigned to the incident. Today, remaining structural resources will continue to support firefighting operations by strengthening mop-up around homes, conducting patrols, and maintaining a presence in neighborhoods surrounding the fire area. Weather could bring numerous challenges across the fire area today. A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for abundant lightning on dry fuels from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Storms may bring heavy rain, and while this can be somewhat beneficial on the fire, it can also create hazardous conditions for firefighters to work and drive in.
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ODF's Final Waldo, Ridge Vista Fire Update Shows Mop-Up Progress
Crews continued making progress on both the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires today, with Waldo now approximately 80% mopped up, and Ridge Vista at about 50% mop-up. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews are systemically gridding for hidden heat, extinguishing remaining hotspots, and ensuring both fires remain secure. No spot fires were identified on either of the main blazes, with this allowing firefighters to continue securing the Waldo Fire's edge. It remains at 31 acres. Ridge Vista Firefighters located three interior smokes within the perimeter and quickly mitigated them before continuing suppression work. It is still at 15.5 acres. The cause of both fires is under investigation. With the potential for lightning in the coming days, eliminating existing heat is especially important so firefighters can keep both fires secure while remaining ready to respond to any new starts. This will be the final Waldo and Ridge Vista fire update from ODF, unless conditions change significantly.
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Josephine County Shows Slight Job Loss Over the Year
Total payroll employment in Josephine County rose by 170 jobs in June. According to the Oregon Employment Department, job gains were estimated in leisure and hospitality (+100); state government (+30); and local government (+20). Other published industries had little or no employment change in June. Over the past year payroll employment in the Grants Pass MSA (Josephine County) decreased by 70 jobs, a loss of -0.3%. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries, excluding private education and health services, which gained 300 jobs. Job declines occurred in retail trade (-60); construction (-50); manufacturing (-50); financial activities (-40); information (-30); and leisure and hospitality (-30). Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employment decreased by 50 jobs since June 2025. Government employment fell by 120 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-100) while federal government also lost 20 jobs over the year. Josephine County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 6.8% in June, little changed over the month and down slightly from the June 2025 rate of 7.2%.
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