UPDATED: West Jones Fire Prompts Evacuations
Evacuation reduced to Level 1 as crews continue protecting homes northeast of Grants Pass.
Fire Facts
Name:
West Jones Fire
Location:
Near Grants Passs, Ore.
Acres: 8-10 est.
Containment: n/a
Evacuations:
Level 1 - JCU-422B, JCU-422A
Equipment
2 Type-1 helicopters, engines, crews, and a dozer with more resources en route.
UPDATE June 15, 2026, 7:07 pm
A helicopter works above the West Jones Fire as crews continue protecting homes and strengthening lines after evacuations were reduced from Level 3 to Level 1. Photo provided by Rural Metro Fire.
Crews are making good progress on the West Jones Fire, and the previous Level 3 evacuation has been reduced to Level 1, according to an update from Rural Metro Fire.
Level 1 means residents should stay aware, monitor official updates and be ready to leave if conditions change.
Rural Metro Fire said the fire remains estimated at 8 to 10 acres in the area of West Jones Creek and East Jones Creek. Firefighters from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry responded to find the fire moving quickly uphill. Wind also created several spot fires, contributing to increased fire growth.
Structures were threatened, and the response grew to a third alarm, with a strike team requested from Jackson County.
Crews are continuing to aggressively fight the fire and protect homes. Rancho Vista Drive remains closed because of heavy emergency vehicle traffic.
Residents and drivers are asked to avoid the area so firefighters and emergency resources can continue working safely.
ORIGINAL Article, June 15, 2026
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Firefighters are responding to the West Jones Fire near the 800 block of Jones Creek Road northeast of Grants Pass, where evacuation notices are now in place.
According to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, the fire was estimated Monday evening at 8 to 10 acres. Crews reported the fire was about 50% wet-lined and that forward progress had slowed.
Firefighters are working the fire with structural partners in an aggressive initial attack. Two Type 1 helicopters are on scene, with additional ground resources en route. Fire resources include engines, crews and a dozer.
Josephine County Emergency Management issued a Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation notice for West Jones Creek Road in Grants Pass.
A Genasys Protect map shows the West Jones Fire northeast of Grants Pass and the surrounding Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation area. View the interactive map for the latest evacuation information. Map via Genasys Protect.
Level 3 means residents should leave immediately.
Josephine County officials said there is extreme danger in the area and it is unsafe to stay. Residents are urged not to delay, and emergency services personnel may not be available to help people who choose to remain.
Multiple evacuations are in place, and residents should follow the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County Emergency Management for the latest evacuation information.
Level 3 Means Leave Now
A Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation notice means there is immediate or imminent danger in the area. People in the evacuation area should leave without delay and should not wait for another notice.
Residents outside the immediate evacuation area should stay aware of changing conditions, monitor official sources and be ready to leave if evacuation levels expand.
HWD Firewatch encourages residents across Southern Oregon and Northern California to treat fire-season preparedness as a baseline, even when no evacuation notice is in place. Know your routes, keep important documents and medications ready, have a plan for pets and livestock, and leave early if you feel unsafe.
HWD Firewatch will continue to monitor the Jones Creek Road fire as updates become available.
Cover image: A helicopter works above the West Jones Fire as crews attack the vegetation fire near Jones Creek Road northeast of Grants Pass, where Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations were issued Monday. Photo provided by Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
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