Oregon activated statewide firefighting resources Friday after the East Evans Fire burned across roughly 1,550 acres and threatened homes and communities about 26 miles northeast of Medford.
Rapid growth, multiple evacuations
The Oregon Department of Forestry reported the blaze was first reported at 2:41 p.m. July 10. Hot, dry weather and gusting winds combined with steep terrain to drive the fire’s growth and produce a series of spot fires that outpaced initial containment efforts.
Jackson County authorities issued a mix of level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices for areas near the fire. Officials set up an evacuation shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at 806 Sixth Ave. for residents and pets displaced by the incident. People unsure of their evacuation status were directed to check the Genasys online mapping tool.
State response and resources
Because the fire exceeded local capacity, the Oregon State Fire Marshal invoked a statewide response — the first such mobilization of the 2026 fire season. Task forces from Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties, teams from Coos, Curry, Lane and Douglas counties in the south coast region, a crew from Klamath County and a strike team from Douglas County joined local crews to fight the blaze.
“This fire is a reminder how quickly things can change with the dry conditions we have across the state,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Chief Deputy Travis Medema said. “We have a long way to go this fire season, and I ask every Oregonian to do their part to prevent wildfires.”
The sheriff’s office described wind and steep slopes as significant complicating factors. Investigators were working to determine the cause of the fire.
What residents should know
- Avoid the fire area due to heavy firefighting traffic and road closures.
- Check evacuation levels through the county’s Genasys map if you are unsure.
- If evacuated, go to the shelter at Hanby Middle School (806 Sixth Ave., Gold Hill).
Officials said crews were able to contain two spot fires early, but a third established itself, gained momentum and contributed to the fire’s expansion. ODF emphasized that the conditions facing firefighters — hot, dry weather, wind and rough terrain — are among the season’s biggest challenges.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident | East Evans Fire |
| Reported | 2:41 p.m., July 10 |
| Estimated size | About 1,550 acres (as of evening July 10) |
| Location | ~26 miles NE of Medford, Jackson County |
| Evacuation shelter | Hanby Middle School, Gold Hill (806 Sixth Ave.) |
This incident illustrates how quickly fires can escalate across Southern Oregon. With a long fire season still ahead, state and local officials repeated calls for vigilance and preventive action as communities brace for more wildfire activity.
