Four major wildfires tearing through eastern and southern Oregon have triggered a statewide emergency response and prompted evacuation orders across Baker, Grant, and Jackson counties as of July 15, 2026. The fires have collectively burned more than 8,000 acres under critical fire weather conditions marked by high temperatures, low relative humidity, and erratic winds.

East Evans Creek Fire — Jackson County

The East Evans Creek Fire, burning approximately 26 miles northeast of Medford, has grown to an estimated 3,620 acres with just 5% containment as of the morning of July 15. The fire ignited on July 10 after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, sparking flames that quickly spread through dry brush and timber under critical conditions.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), firefighters are holding established control lines while aggressively working on the ground and in the air to protect nearby homes. Resources include 27 hand crews, multiple engines, heavy equipment, water tenders, and aircraft. Crews are focused on clearing flammable debris and improving access routes for defensible space operations.

Salmon Fire — Grant County

The lightning-caused Salmon Fire in Grant County has reached 1,171 acres with 0% containment. Heavy dead and downed trees — burning more readily than typical for this time of year — are complicating suppression efforts. Crews are working to moderate fire behavior and develop containment barriers in rugged terrain.

Olive Butte Fire — Grant County

Also lightning-ignited, the Olive Butte Fire has burned 1,642 acres with 0% containment in Grant County. The U.S. Forest Service reported that crews made progress moderating fire behavior on July 12, continuing work on July 13 to clear large fuels and establish perimeter barriers. Heavy accumulation of dry fuels is accelerating spread in both Grant County fires.

Anthony Fire — Baker County

The Anthony Fire, located approximately 34 miles north of Baker City, has grown to 1,800 acres at 0% containment. The Forest Service is working to keep the fire as small as possible in dry conditions. Baker County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders for portions of Baker County in response to the fire's growth.

Statewide Response Activated

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has activated a statewide mutual aid response to support local agencies. Critical fire weather — temperatures in the upper 90s and single-digit relative humidity — is expected to persist through the week, creating elevated risk of new ignitions and rapid spread.

  • Follow all evacuation orders issued by local sheriffs and ODF immediately
  • Monitor the Genasys system at protect.genasys.com to look up your address and current evacuation level
  • Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile device
  • Prepare go-bags with documents, medications, and essentials in advance
  • Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911

Updates are being posted to Oregon Department of Forestry social media channels as conditions change. Residents in affected counties should remain vigilant and monitor local alerts closely.