West Fork Evans Creek Fire 30% Lined, Aggressive Attack Continues
Despite challenges, the West Fork Evans Creek Fire is now 30% lined thanks to overnight efforts.
According to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, crews concentrated much of their efforts along the southwestern portion of the fire, strengthening existing firelines and working to establish additional containment opportunities.
The fire is now estimated at 200 acres. While cooler temperatures and some overnight humidity recovery were expected to help reduce fire activity, heavy fuel loads and a temperature inversion contributed to more persistent burning than anticipated. Southeast winds also influenced fire behavior overnight, including a roughly two-acre spot fire 1,000 feet from the main body of the fire that firefighters are successfully holding.
Steep slopes, hazardous snags and heavy concentrations of fuels have added complexity to suppression efforts. Today, firefighters will continue aggressive suppression efforts across the fire.
Resources assigned include six 20-person hand crews, three dozers, six water tenders, three task force leaders, three heavy equipment bosses and additional overhead personnel. Specialized falling resources are also assigned to address hazardous trees and improve firefighter safety.
Four Type 1 helicopters, along with an air attack aircraft, are assigned to the incident to support aggressive suppression efforts. Weather conditions will present additional challenges today, with temperatures expected to reach approximately 83 degrees.
No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is not immediately apparent.
Posted on 10/16/26 11:00AM by Alex Bauer