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.
Fire Season Ends in Klamath and Lake Counties
The South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership has officially ended the 2026 fire season in Klamath and Lake counties. Seasonal fire restrictions have been lifted, including in the Klamath River Canyon, but certain outdoor burning requirements remain in effect.
Lost Soda Project Could Bring Forest Treatments to 1,600 Acres Near Eagle Point
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the proposed Lost Soda Forest Management Project, which could bring thinning, limited timber harvest, prescribed fire, riparian treatments, and new access routes to about 1,600 acres roughly 10 miles east of Eagle Point. The project is intended to improve forest resilience and northern spotted owl habitat while maintaining healthy stream conditions.
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.
Woodrat Fire 100% Lined Overnight, Mapped at 282 Acres
Firefighters have completed line around 100% of the Woodrat Mountain Fire near Ruch. Updated infrared mapping places the fire at 282 acres, with 60% of the perimeter hose lined as crews continue securing the fire through steep terrain and dense timber.
Fast-Moving Brush Fire Threatens Structures in Klamath Falls
Firefighters stopped a fast-moving brush fire after flames raced uphill through tall grass and threatened several structures along Alisa Lane in Klamath Falls. No buildings were damaged, and the cause remains under investigation.
East Evans Creek Fire Remains at 2,656 Acres as Wind Gusts Test Lines
The East Evans Creek Fire remains estimated at 2,656 acres and 0% containment west of Shady Cove. Crews strengthened southern fire lines overnight as officials warned gusts up to 30 mph could challenge suppression efforts Sunday. Evacuation levels remain unchanged.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 2,656 Acres as Lines Hold, Teams Take Command
Containment lines held Saturday on the Evans Creek Road Fire as crews limited additional growth and state incident management teams assumed unified command. The fire is estimated at 2,656 acres, with an infrared flight planned to confirm its size.
East Evans Creek Fire Grows to 2,000 Acres as 400 Firefighters Mobilize
The Evans Creek Road Fire has grown to approximately 2,000 acres, with more than 400 personnel assigned Saturday. Crews are preparing for warm, dry and breezy conditions as ODF Incident Management Team 1 mobilizes to take command of the fire.
Lightning Threat Prompts Red Flag Warning East of Cascades
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect Monday, July 6, for parts of south-central Oregon, including the Klamath Basin, Fremont-Winema National Forest and eastern Lake County. Thunderstorms could bring abundant lightning, hail and gusty winds, creating the risk of new fire starts on dry fuels.
UPDATED: Hole in the Ground Fire Holds at 83 Acres in Northern Lake County
The Hole in the Ground Fire held at 83 acres overnight near Hole in the Ground Vista Point in northern Lake County, with crews continuing mop-up and line security Sunday.
One Spark Can Start a Wildfire
BLM officials are urging visitors to check fire restrictions before heading onto public lands this summer, warning that local rules can vary by district and conditions. The reminder comes with a simple message for fire season: one spark can threaten firefighters, homes, and entire communities.
Fire Season Begins Friday in Klamath and Lake Counties
Fire season will officially begin Friday, May 22, in Klamath and Lake counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District and partner agencies are moving into coordinated fire season operations, with Moderate fire danger and IFPL I restrictions taking effect.
BLM Fire Restrictions Begin May 14
Fire restrictions will begin May 14 on all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington. The restrictions prohibit fireworks, exploding targets, certain ammunition, tracer and incendiary devices, and sky lanterns as officials warn of increasing heat and dryness across the Pacific Northwest.
Gerber And Topsy Campgrounds Open May 13
The Bureau of Land Management will open Gerber and Topsy campgrounds for the 2026 recreation season on Wednesday, May 13. The two Klamath-area public lands destinations offer camping, fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and day-use access ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
BLM Timber Sales Bring in $8.3 Million in Oregon
BLM timber sales across Oregon in February generated more than $8.3 million, with bids exceeding appraised values by over $3 million.
Bentz Introduces O&C Renewal Act
Congressman Cliff Bentz has introduced the O&C Renewal Act of 2026, legislation aimed at reaffirming sustained timber production as the primary purpose of more than two million acres of Oregon & California lands in western Oregon.
3,000 Pounds of Trash Removed From Stukel Mountain
Bureau of Land Management crews recently removed approximately 3,000 pounds of trash from Stukel Mountain, restoring the area’s natural beauty and improving safety for visitors and wildlife.
BLM Approves Lithium Exploration in Southeast Oregon
The Bureau of Land Management has approved expanded lithium exploration activities in southeast Oregon, authorizing a multi-year project on public lands near the Oregon-Nevada border.