Evans Creek Fire Remains within Control Lines, Containment at 33%
Firefighters continue strengthening control lines across the East Evans Creek Fire, with the latest report showing containment increasing to 33%. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports many resources are shifting to day operations as the fire has remained in its footprint for multiple shifts at 15,705 acres with no overnight growth. Established control lines have been held, with protection around homes strengthened as part of ongoing suppression efforts. Oregon State Fire Marshal resources are returning to their home agencies. Unneeded resources are being released to mobilize for other state incidents. Crews are using handheld infrared cameras and Unmanned Aircraft Systems to locate residual heat around the Board Mountain spot fire and along the edge of the main fire. Thunderstorms yesterday with 30 to 35 mph winds passed over the fire area, increasing visible smoke. Today, crews remain focused strengthening the established containment lines and further securing the perimeter, 63 miles of fireline have been constructed around the fire. Air assets continue to support the incident with aerial observation for ground crew intel and water drops to cool areas of heat. Interior parts of the fire are still smoldering with dry fuel.
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ODF's Final Waldo, Ridge Vista Fire Update Shows Mop-Up Progress
Crews continued making progress on both the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires today, with Waldo now approximately 80% mopped up, and Ridge Vista at about 50% mop-up. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews are systemically gridding for hidden heat, extinguishing remaining hotspots, and ensuring both fires remain secure. No spot fires were identified on either of the main blazes, with this allowing firefighters to continue securing the Waldo Fire's edge. It remains at 31 acres. Ridge Vista Firefighters located three interior smokes within the perimeter and quickly mitigated them before continuing suppression work. It is still at 15.5 acres. The cause of both fires is under investigation. With the potential for lightning in the coming days, eliminating existing heat is especially important so firefighters can keep both fires secure while remaining ready to respond to any new starts. This will be the final Waldo and Ridge Vista fire update from ODF, unless conditions change significantly.
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Josephine County Shows Slight Job Loss Over the Year
Total payroll employment in Josephine County rose by 170 jobs in June. According to the Oregon Employment Department, job gains were estimated in leisure and hospitality (+100); state government (+30); and local government (+20). Other published industries had little or no employment change in June. Over the past year payroll employment in the Grants Pass MSA (Josephine County) decreased by 70 jobs, a loss of -0.3%. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries, excluding private education and health services, which gained 300 jobs. Job declines occurred in retail trade (-60); construction (-50); manufacturing (-50); financial activities (-40); information (-30); and leisure and hospitality (-30). Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employment decreased by 50 jobs since June 2025. Government employment fell by 120 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-100) while federal government also lost 20 jobs over the year. Josephine County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 6.8% in June, little changed over the month and down slightly from the June 2025 rate of 7.2%.
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