Multiple large wildfires are burning simultaneously across Oregon this week, straining firefighting resources and prompting evacuation orders in three counties as the state contends with its most dangerous early-season fire conditions in years.

East Evans Creek Fire: Nearly 8,000 Acres Near Medford

The East Evans Creek Fire north of Medford in Jackson County has grown to nearly 8,000 acres after a vehicle crashed into a power pole and ignited the blaze. As of July 15, nearly 1,200 firefighters are assigned to the incident, with a full base camp including showers, laundry, and air-conditioned trailers established to support crews working grueling shifts in extreme heat.

Oregon Department of Forestry Operations Section Chief Kyle Gibbons said Tuesday afternoon brought especially poor fire weather, with shifting winds driving a large spike in fire activity. Firefighters deployed tactical firing operations — deliberately igniting smaller fires ahead of the main blaze — to remove fuel and slow its advance. Smoky conditions grounded helicopters and allowed two spot fires northeast of the main fire to grow, including one on Board Mountain that burned over 1,000 acres.

Operations Section Chief Mark Corless noted that as spot fires continue moving east, crews are repositioning into the Shady Cove area to protect structures. Hot, dry conditions are expected to persist through the week.

Evacuation Zones (Jackson County)

  • Level 3 – Go Now: Zone JAC-124 (22705–24100 block of East Evans Creek Road)
  • Level 2 – Be Set: JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149B
  • Level 1 – Be Ready: JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-149A, JAC-158

Salmon and Olive Butte Fires: Northeast Oregon

In Grant and Baker counties, the lightning-caused Salmon Fire (1,500+ acres) and Olive Butte Fire (2,400+ acres) continue to burn at just 5% containment. More than 900 personnel, 56 engines, and 23 water tenders are assigned. Overnight rain showers briefly moderated fire behavior, but crews are racing to establish containment lines before the next dry spell.

Anthony Fire: Baker City Area

The Anthony Fire in the Elkhorn Mountains foothills north of Baker City has burned approximately 2,000 acres, also prompting evacuation orders. Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders are in effect in Baker and Union counties across all three northeast Oregon fires.

The combination of record-low winter snowpack, ongoing drought, and an early drydown of fuels has pushed Oregon fire conditions to levels typically seen in mid-August. The Oregon Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service are urging residents to monitor emergency alerts and comply immediately with any evacuation notices.