Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
Fielder Mountain Fire 90% Lined, 7% Contained
Firefighters held established control lines overnight on the Fielder Mountain Fire, bringing the incident to approximately 90% lined. The fire is mapped at 548 acres and remains 7% contained as crews continue strengthening lines and mopping up near homes west of Rogue River.
OSFM Begins Demobilizing as Crews Prep Firing Operation
The Wrights Spring Fire has reached 53,388 acres and 9% containment as crews prepare southern control lines for a potential firing operation. OSFM structure protection resources are entering their final shift, while several evacuation zones have been reduced as threats to homes continue to decline.
Man Sought After Grants Pass Assault Arrested Within 24 Hours (UPDATED)
Michael Brinen Cutts was arrested less than 24 hours after Grants Pass police identified him as a person of interest in a major assault that left a man hospitalized. Police credit ALPR technology and regional law enforcement partnerships with helping shorten the search.
Rain Gives Wrights Spring Fire Crews a Break as Structure Protection Scales Back
Overnight rain moderated conditions on the Wrights Spring Fire, giving crews time to reinforce containment lines before warmer, drier weather returns. The fire is 53,061 acres and 6% contained as structure protection resources scale back in northern areas and work continues along the south and southwest.
Fielder Mountain Fire Reaches 7% Containment as Crews Line 75% of Perimeter
The Fielder Mountain Fire remains estimated at 550 acres and is now 7% contained as firefighters continue securing the perimeter north of Rogue River. Crews have completed line around approximately 75% of the fire, with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 set to assume command Friday evening.
Fielder Mountain Fire Grows to 400 Acres as Evacuations Expand Near Rogue River
The Fielder Mountain Fire north of Rogue River has grown to an estimated 400 acres as night crews move into place and additional evacuations are issued. Fifteen hand crews, 14 engines, seven dozers, and other resources are working the fire after 11 aircraft supported suppression efforts Thursday.
Luis Puga-Mendoza Sentenced to 12½ Years for Sexually Abusing Two Minors
Luis Puga-Mendoza, 42, has been sentenced to 12½ years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving two minor victims. The consecutive Measure 11 sentences must be served day-for-day without reductions.
Extreme Fire Conditions Close Gilchrist, Sun Pass State Forests
Extreme fire conditions have prompted ODF to immediately close the Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests to the public. The closures affect more than 93,000 acres in Klamath County, with no reopening date announced.
Structure Protection Shifts South as Wrights Spring Fire Crews Secure Northern Areas
The Wrights Spring Fire has reached 53,032 acres and 6% containment as crews increasingly move northern areas into patrol status. Structure protection and line construction remain focused farther south, while officials confirm one primary structure and three outbuildings were lost earlier in the incident.
Oregon Honors Jason Ensign as Memorial Service Set for Saturday
Oregon flags are flying at half-staff today in honor of Jason Ensign, the Klamath Falls dozer operator killed while working on the Wrights Spring Fire. A public line-of-duty memorial service is scheduled Saturday at 11 a.m. at Henley High School, with a procession planned beforehand.
Fire Damages Multiple Vehicles at Medford Storage Facility
Multiple vehicles and trailers were damaged Tuesday after a fire broke out at a storage facility along East Vilas Road in Medford. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze before it could spread farther through the property. No injuries were reported.
Flock Cameras Go Dark in Josephine County
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has ended its contract with Flock Safety and deactivated all 10 automated license plate reader cameras. Sheriff Dave Daniel cited public privacy concerns, potential Fourth Amendment implications, and recent vandalism.
Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 5% Containment as Crews Focus on Southwest Flank
The Wrights Spring Fire is now 52,531 acres and 5% contained with 761 personnel assigned. Crews report increasingly secure lines on the north end while firefighters work spot fires and build control line near Swan Lake Rim. An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for Klamath and Lake counties.
Motorcyclist Killed in High Speed Crash on US 101 Near Cape Ferrelo
A 36 year old motorcyclist from Sisters was killed Sunday in a three vehicle crash on US 101 near Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint in Curry County. OSP says the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed before striking a turning SUV.
SWAT Standoff Ends Two-Week Manhunt in Grants Pass
A man wanted following an alleged carjacking, assault, and dangerous pursuit through Grants Pass was arrested Tuesday after barricading himself inside an RV near Cloverlawn. Police say citizen reports helped authorities locate him nearly two weeks after the July 30 incidents.
Klamath Basin Rallies to Help Wrights Spring Fire Evacuees
As the Wrights Spring Fire disrupts communities across Klamath County, food banks, volunteers, tribal programs, and local fundraisers are helping displaced families and animals. Residents are urged to check current needs and verify donation requests before giving.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 51,687 Acres as Crews Strengthen Southern Lines
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to 51,687 acres as crews strengthen control lines across the incident. Fire officials report progress on the north end, while structure protection continues around Bly Mountain, Bliss Road, and Swan Lake. Evacuations remain widespread.
Mark Cruz (Klamath) Confirmed; Oregon Senators Vote Against Nominee Package
Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes who grew up in Klamath Falls, has been confirmed to lead the Indian Health Service. Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, both Democrats, voted against the larger confirmation package that included Cruz.
Mother, Three Children Killed in Eagle Point RV Fire
A mother and three children younger than 10 were killed Sunday in an RV fire in rural Eagle Point. One other family member escaped with minor injuries, and investigators currently believe the fire was a non-criminal accident.
Body Recovered from Rogue River Believed to Be Missing Rafter
A body recovered from the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River is believed to be that of 65-year-old Reid Litwack, who disappeared after a rafting accident at Wildcat Rapid. Final identification remains pending.