Oregon invokes emergency act as wildfire spreads
PUBLISHED Jul 12, 2026, 2:53 PM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the state’s Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the East Evans Creek Fire, which has burned an estimated 2,000 acres northeast of Rogue River in Jackson County. First reported on Friday, July 10, 2026, along East Evans Creek Road, the wildfire has been driven by dense timber, high temperatures, low humidity, and breezy conditions. The declaration authorizes the Oregon State Fire Marshal to deploy structural firefighting resources statewide. More than 400 firefighters are engaged, with Level 3 “Go Now” and Level 2 “Be Set” evacuations in place and shelters opened for residents, pets, and livestock.
By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Jul 10, 2026 Fire first reported near East Evans Creek
- Jul 10, 2026 Dense fuels and weather intensify spread
- Jul 11, 2026 Fire reaches about 2,000 acres
- Jul 11, 2026 Governor invokes Emergency Conflagration Act
- Jul 11, 2026 Level 3 evacuations ordered for residents
- Jul 11, 2026 Evacuation shelter opened at Hanby Middle
- Jul 11, 2026 Livestock shelter established at county Expo
- Jul 11, 2026 Over 400 firefighters assigned to incident
News Intelligence
- The East Evans Creek Fire affects your safety. If you're in the area, heed evacuation orders. Level 3 means "Go Now." Level 2 means "Be Set" to leave. Check local news for updates. Shelters are open for people, pets, and livestock.
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