Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
Locomotive Fire, Wrecking Yard Blaze Draw Bend Firefighters
Bend Fire & Rescue responded to two highly visible fires this week, including a fire on a BNSF locomotive south of Bend and a vehicle fire at an auto wrecking yard north of the city. Officials say both fires were contained quickly, with no injuries reported in the train fire and one minor injury reported at the wrecking yard.
Early Morning Fire Causes Major Damage in Bend
An early morning structure fire in Bend caused extensive damage to a home after flames spread through the attic, leading to roof collapse. The occupant safely evacuated after being alerted by a smoke alarm, and firefighters contained the blaze within minutes. Total losses are estimated at approximately $480,000, including damage to the structure, contents, and a vehicle.
Shop Fire Near Tumalo Destroys Vehicles, Causes $220K in Damage
A Tumalo-area shop fire caused by a vehicle fuel leak destroyed multiple vehicles and caused an estimated $220,000 in damage Friday evening. Fire crews stopped the blaze before it reached nearby homes.
Escaped Field Burn Contained East of Bend
An escaped field burn east of Bend was contained at 6.6 acres Monday afternoon after wind pushed flames beyond containment lines. Fire crews from multiple agencies responded quickly to stop the spread, preventing damage to nearby structures and keeping the fire confined to pasture land.
Garage Fire Displaces Family in Bend
A garage fire in Bend displaced a family Tuesday night after improperly disposed woodstove ashes ignited materials inside a garage.
Garage Fire Linked to Electric Vehicle Battery on Bend’s Westside
A Christmas Eve garage fire on Bend’s west side was traced to a failed lithium-ion battery in a converted electric vehicle, according to Bend Fire & Rescue. Fire crews were able to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading into the main living space, though the home was left uninhabitable due to utility damage.
Fire Contained at Miller Elementary After Lithium Battery Ignites in Workshop
A lithium battery ignited inside a custodians’ workshop at Miller Elementary School in Bend on Sunday night, triggering the fire sprinkler system and limiting damage to the small room. Crews cleared smoke and water from the gym as the district works toward reopening the school safely.