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.

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.

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.

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.

A new wildfire near Crescent and Gilchrist is sending a large smoke column over northern Klamath County and has prompted Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation notices. A temporary evacuation point has been established at La Pine High School.

Level 1 Be Ready evacuation notices are in effect south of Sprague River Road as the Wrights Spring Fire reaches 2,224 acres. About 180 personnel are assigned, and Northwest Team 8 will assume command Friday. No road or highway closures are in effect.

The Woodrat Fire has grown to approximately 300 acres and is 50% lined near Ruch. Six hand crews, four dozers, engines, water tenders, and falling modules are taking over overnight operations as firefighters work to limit movement toward Sterling Creek Road.

The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to approximately 2,000 acres south of Sprague River and east of Chiloquin. Firefighters strengthened lines along the east flank overnight, while heavy timber, dense vegetation, and rugged terrain continue to challenge crews.

The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to approximately 1,200 acres east of Modoc Point in Klamath County. About 100 firefighters are working through the night, with more resources en route. No evacuations or formal closures are in effect, but the public should avoid nearby forest roads.

Thousands of migratory birds have died at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge as avian botulism spreads through warm, stagnant wetlands. Bird Alliance of Oregon is seeking emergency water, while local leaders, irrigators, and the Klamath Tribes debate how to respond without worsening risks elsewhere in the Basin.

Oregon Republican leaders are proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to hunt, fish, gather wild foods, and raise animals or crops. If lawmakers approve the proposal during the 2027 session, it could go before Oregon voters in November 2028.

The East Evans Creek Fire reached 90% containment 21 days after igniting west of Shady Cove. Photographs submitted by residents, firefighters, and fire command capture the smoke, evacuations, aircraft, public meetings, community support, and crews who worked to protect life and property.

Medford’s monthly utility charge for single-family homes increased from $76.53 to $85.91 on July 1. The higher rate will first appear on August bills and helps fund sewer service, public safety, storm drains, street maintenance and parks across the city.

The City of Klamath Falls is converting the intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Wall Street into an all-way stop after safety concerns from the public and a traffic study found the intersection met warrants for the change.

A new wildfire northeast of Sprague River has prompted evacuation orders and warnings in Klamath County. Early reports placed the Loveless Fire at approximately 75 acres, with heavy spotting reported as crews responded to the developing incident.

Two military C-130 Hercules airtankers equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems have been mobilized to Klamath Falls, providing additional surge capacity as dozens of large wildfires burn across the West. Each aircraft can release up to 3,000 gallons of retardant in seconds.

Sky Lakes Medical Center has become the first hospital in Oregon to win the American Hospital Association’s Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, a national honor recognizing years of community health work in the Klamath Basin.

Jason Turner was picking up fireworks trash at Point St. George Beach near Crescent City when an explosive device went off, causing severe injuries. His family says Turner lost a hand, is facing more surgeries and is dealing with vision and hearing loss.

Medford Fire crews are moving into the new Fire Station 15 on Roberts Road as the rebuild enters its final phase. The project replaces Medford’s oldest fire station and is expected to add modern space for crews, EMS response and logistics support.

Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and Les Schwab Tire Centers are partnering to provide at least $1 million in wildfire preparedness support for rural Oregon communities. The effort includes quick-response grants and $100,000 in donated tires for Rangeland Fire Protection Associations statewide.