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.
