The Evans Creek Road Fire northeast of Rogue River grew rapidly Friday evening to more than 1,500 acres, prompting evacuations as firefighters worked to slow its spread under extreme fire conditions.

The fire was first reported Friday afternoon as a 10- to 15-acre grass fire along East Evans Creek Road and quickly expanded.

The fire is estimated at 1,552 acres, based on the latest fire perimeter uploaded to the National Interagency Fire Center.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District said firefighters were able to catch the first two spot fires, but a third spot fire contributed to the fire’s rapid growth. The fire is also burning into the footprint of the East Evans Fire, where steep terrain and additional spot fires have complicated suppression efforts.

Smoke has also limited aircraft operations in parts of the fire area.

ODF said additional resources have been ordered, and Incident Management Team 1 will assume command to support the response.

Multiple evacuation levels remain in effect. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation order for the area near Antioch and East Evans Creek Road. As of 5:25 a.m. Saturday morning, the Sheriff’s Office told JPR the Level 3 evacuation order remained in effect. Nearby areas remain under Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices.

An evacuation shelter for people and domestic pets has opened at Hanby Middle School, 806 Sixth Ave. in Gold Hill.

Firefighters are contending with extreme heat, low humidity and steep terrain as they work to slow the fire’s spread. ODF said more updates will be released as conditions change.

Maria Carter is a reporter with Jefferson Public Radio. This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington.

It is part of OPB’s broader effort to ensure that everyone in our region has access to quality journalism that informs, entertains and enriches their lives. To learn more, visit our journalism partnerships page.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/07/11/evans-creek-road-fire-rogue-river/