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Increased Fire Activity on East Evans Creek Fire, 11,551.4 Estimated Acres

Firefighters responded to increased fire activity across the East Evans Creek Fire, with the blaze becoming more active in several areas, and estimated to be 11,551.4 acres, according to the Watch Duty app. The latest Oregon Department of Forestry update says spot fires challenged crews throughout the day, with the Board Mountain spot being the largest, estimated at about 1,000 acres. Containment lines have been held on its north side and have limited further spread. A new spot fire east of the mountain was detected, and crews are working on limiting its growth. Resources are also actively engaged on multiple spot fires and working to improve control line options by identifying safe opportunities to connect natural and constructed features. Protecting homes remains a top priority. Visibility limited the use of air tankers yesterday due to increased smoke. Helicopters and ground resources worked in coordination throughout the day to slow the fire's spread, and firefighters worked overnight to hold existing lines. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management have issued the following evacuations by level:
- Evacuation Level 3 Go Now: Zones JAC-109, JAC-124 JAC-126, JAC-127-A, and JAC-149-B.
- Evacuation Level 2 Be Set: Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-111, JAC-112, JAC-131, JAC-132, JAC-133, JAC-134, JAC-147, JAC-148, and JAC-149-A.
- Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready: Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-026, JAC-036, and JAC-158, Shady Cove Zones SHC-151, SHC-152, SHC-153, SHC-154, SHC-156, SHC-157, and SHC-158, and Douglas County Zones DOU-1012, and DOU-1015.

Posted on 7/16/26 5:47AM by Alex Bauer

Multiple Zones Affected by East Evans Creek Fire Added and Upgraded

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has upgraded Zones JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B from a Level 2 to Evacuation Level 3: Go Now. Residents should leave immediately. There is extreme danger in the area. It is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your loved ones and emergency responders. A Level 2: Be Set warning has been issued for Zones JAC-111, JAC-112, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-132, JAC-133, JAC-134, and JAC-149-A per the JCSO. Additionally, Shady Cove Zones SHC-151, SHC-152, SHC-153, SHC-154, SHC-156, SHC-157, and SHC-158 have been issued a Level 1: Be Ready warning. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-026, JAC-036, and JAC-158, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-147, and JAC-148, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect.

Posted on 7/15/26 8:47PM by Alex Bauer

GP Council Donates Retired Fire Engine to Sister City

The Grants Pass City Council Wednesday night gave away one of the Grants Pass Fire Department's fire engines. The Council received a formal request from sister city, Autlan De Navarro, Mexico, seeking the donation of an emergency vehicle and miscellaneous fire equipment. Autlan is covering all expenses related to the transfer of the truck. The truck and additional fire engine are in the process of being retired after the Department acquired two new trucks. The city disposes of retired fire apparatus through the State's surplus auction, where a retired fire truck may sell for $12,000. Actually Autlan is purchasing the truck for $1. The resolution was approved on a 4 to 3 vote. Then Councilors approved a resolution approving commercial activity in Riverside Park for August 23rd for the second annual Medicine Show Revival and the waiving of the park fee with the exception of the $75 Security and Clean-Up Fee. $220.50 was waived on a five to one vote. Councilors Pell and Riker participated in the meeting remotely and Councilor Joel King was absent

Posted on 7/15/26 7:07PM by Chuck Benson

ODOT Conducting Jackson County Pavement Project, Public Reminded of Potential Delays

The Oregon Department of Transportation is continuing their pavement maintenance project set to be finished July 16th, and is reminding the public of potential delays.

Resuming Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., crews will repair cracked and rutted pavement on the Jacksonville Highway 238 west of Medford between West Main Street and Ross Lane.

The highway will be limited to a single lane through the work zone. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and pilot cars. Expect delays of less than 20 minutes and reduced speed through the work zone.

Slow down and use caution in the zone. Allow extra travel time and watch for crews and equipment. Consider using an alternate route to avoid delays. This work is weather dependent and schedules may change.

Posted on 7/15/26 1:15PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Cite, Trespass Individuals in Riverside Park during Area Check

Trespass orders and citations were given during a Riverside Park check by Grants Pass Police officers.

Tuesday morning, officers contacted two suspects in the 304 E Park Street location. They were both cited for Utilization of Open Park Space, and trespassed from the area for 30 days.

Law enforcement then located a woman inside her van. She was contacted and warned for parking on Vista Drive without a permit. During the interaction, she was found to have a warrant out of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for Second Degree Trespass.

The warrant charged her with Larceny, and officers took her into custody around 7:46 a.m. She was then issued a citation to appear in Douglas County Court for her warrant.

Posted on 7/15/26 1:05PM by Alex Bauer

Two Suspects Arrested for Trespassing, Littering after GP Police Area Check

Grants Pass Police arrested one and impounded a dog during an area check Tuesday morning.

Two suspects were contacted at the river's edge near 900 E Park Street around 10:51 a.m. One of them, identified as Jeffrey McPeake, was found to have a felony warrant and had previously run from law enforcement during the last property check.

He proceeded to run from police, and an officer attempted to deploy a taser after telling McPeake to stop to avoid potential injury. The attempt was unsuccessful, as was a search of the area for McPeake.

The second suspect, Morgan Botello, was taken into custody for Second Degree Criminal Trespass. Animal Control had been contacted by officers regarding McPeake's dog that was at the scene, and he was secured at the Josephine County Animal Shelter. Botello was advised she had five days to contact the shelter.

She was additionally trespassed from the property and transported to jail. Officers lodged Botello on her trespass charge and Offensive Littering. Josephine County Jail logs show she was booked today at 9:50 a.m.

Logs also show McPeake was booked this morning at 10:01 a.m. for Second Degree Criminal Trespass, Possession of Methamphetamine, Offensive Littering, and a Post-Prison Supervision Sanction.

Posted on 7/15/26 12:42PM by Alex Bauer

Cab Passenger Reported for Not Paying, Arrested by JoCo Sheriff's Deputy

A cab driver called 911 Tuesday to report a female passenger that didn't pay, leading to her arrest by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.

Dispatch was notified of the incident around 8:03 a.m., when the driver with Grants Pass Cab said his passenger didn't pay for services. According to the police report, the suspect, Tamara Denton, had been given a ride from Grants Pass to Cave Junction.

Before arriving at the destination in the 1200 block of White Schoolhouse Road, she told the driver she had money at her house and would pay him when they arrived. She exited the vehicle, entered her residence, and didn't return to the cab with the $140 she owed.

After 10 to 15 minutes, the driver reportedly returned to Grants Pass and reported the situation to dispatch. A deputy reported to Denton's home and took her into custody. She was transported to the Adult Jail Facility for lodging on a Theft of Services charge. Due to a lack of resources, she was soon released.

Posted on 7/15/26 11:32AM by Alex Bauer

Active Fire Behavior and Spot Fires Drive East Evans Creek Fire Suppression Efforts

The East Evans Creek Fire remained active through the night as firefighters worked aggressively on spot fires, and made progress with continued suppression efforts on the 7,843.2 acre fire. The Oregon Department of Forestry's latest update reports one of the larger spot fires on Board Mountain is estimated at about 1,000 acres. Crews, engines, and heavy equipment are engaged to limit further spread. Overnight, firefighters conducted a small-scale tactical firing operation on the western portion of the blaze to minimize impacts from the main fire. Today, aircraft and ground resources are working to remain vigilant of any new spot fires, cool active areas, and support fireline construction. Oregon State Fire Marshal structure engines along the eastern portion continue work to protect homes and critical infrastructure. Elevated fire behavior is expected to return this afternoon. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-149A, and JAC-158, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, and JAC-149-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect.

Posted on 7/15/26 11:05AM by Alex Bauer

OED Shows Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Remains at 5.2% in June

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in June, unchanged from 5.2% in May, and also matched the 5.2% rate one year ago.

According to the Oregon Employment Department, on a seasonally adjusted basis, Oregon employers cut 600 jobs from nonfarm payrolls in June. That follows a revised gain of 2,500 jobs in May. June’s gains were largest in private health care and social assistance (+2,000 jobs). Losses were largest in manufacturing (-1,700 jobs).

Total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 8,500 jobs between June 2025 and June 2026, a loss of 0.4%. Both the private and public sectors lost jobs over the past year. Private-sector employment fell by 5,400 jobs (-0.3%), and government employment declined by 3,100 jobs (-1.0%).

Private health care and social assistance continues to lead job growth in Oregon. The sector added 14,000 jobs over the past year, a gain of 4.5%. Over the past year, growth within the sector was strongest in social assistance (8.6%) and nursing and residential care facilities (5.3 %). Ambulatory health care services (2.6 %) and hospitals (0.5%) also added jobs, but at slower rates.

Manufacturing employment continues to decline in Oregon. Manufacturers lost 10,000 jobs over the past year, a decline of 5.6%. Within manufacturing, employment in durable goods fell by 5,800 jobs (-4.6%). Nondurable goods manufacturing lost 4,200 jobs (-7.7%).

Posted on 7/15/26 10:14AM by Alex Bauer

Spot Fires Prompt Evacuations, East Evans Creek Firefighters Utilize Cooler Conditions

Firefighters took advantage of cooler conditions yesterday morning to make steady progress on the East Evans Creek Fire, but spot fires led to additional evacuations. According to the latest update from the Oregon Department of Forestry, afternoon conditions became more unstable, but predicted thunderstorms remained south and east of the fire, reported to be at about 7,843.2 acres. Two of the identified spot fires have been mostly lined, with one remaining a challenge due to rugged terrain. Crews are using aircraft and heavy equipment to support suppression efforts, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources remain in place. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-149A, and JAC-158, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, and JAC-149-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect. The fire started on Friday afternoon at 2:41 p.m. after a car crashed into a power pole, sparking dry vegetation in the area. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the crash. There is a community meeting planned for today at 6:30 p.m. to provide an update for the fire. It will take place at the Shady Cove School Gym, 100 Cleveland Street in Shady Cove. The meeting will also be streamed at Facebook.com/ODFSouthwest.

Posted on 7/15/26 5:40AM by Alex Bauer

BCC Hears Legal Counsel, Department Business, Discussed Communications

The Board of Commissioners met to hear Legal Counsel Business at Tuesday's workshop. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room, an Intergovernmental Agreement for the 4H Extension and OSU Service District was discussed, including the potential Rogue Community College facility intentions. The presented budget reportedly covers all of the District's anticipated business needs for Fiscal Year 2027. A meeting will be scheduled for final approval, then the board moved 2-0 in favor of a Community Development Block Grant Conflict of Interest Letter. Commissioner Colene Martin abstained. There was no vote on the Jail and Juvenile Justice Levy renewal, and the public will have a chance to comment on the topic. The board unanimously approved a motion to elect in favor of the SRS funding mechanism, with 85% of Title 1 funds, 8% Title 2 funds, and 7% Title 3 funds. A Personnel Policy regarding At-Will Employment will be brought back to the board. There was interest in making County Administrative Policies and Procedures as clear as possible, potentially reviewing them with a committee. This will be a continued discussion.

Posted on 7/15/26 5:23AM by Alex Bauer

JCSO Upgrades Two Zones East of Fire to Evacuation Level 2, Four More to Level 1

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports two Jackson County Zones affected by the East Evans Creek Fire are now at a Level 2: Be Set warning. Zones JAC-126 and JAC-149-B have both been upgraded. Level 2 means there is significant danger in the area, and those living in the zones should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. As of the latest report, the fire is at an estimated 5,370 acres. The fire is being driven by irregular winds and steep terrain, and is exhibiting extreme fire behavior. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-149A, and JAC-158, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-147, and JAC-148, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect.

Posted on 7/14/26 7:48PM by Alex Bauer

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