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.
Small Fire at KUHS Quickly Contained
A small equipment fire at Klamath Union High School was contained Thursday afternoon after school staff used a fire extinguisher to prevent the flames from spreading before firefighters arrived.
Two Structure Fires Quickly Contained in Klamath, Lake Counties
Firefighters in Klamath and Lake counties recently contained two separate structure fires before they could spread farther. KCFD1 limited a Clinton Avenue fire largely to a garage, while Lakeview crews stopped a fully involved shop fire.
Early-Morning Garage Fire Damages Medford Home
An early-morning garage fire damaged a Medford home Tuesday and sent two residents for medical evaluation. Medford Fire says one person experienced minor smoke inhalation, while two dogs escaped safely and damage inside the living area was minimal.
Fire Outlook Points to Elevated Summer Risk
The National Interagency Fire Center’s June outlook shows above-normal significant wildland fire potential across Northern California and parts of the Northwest, with the risk expanding across Oregon as summer progresses. The forecast does not predict specific fires, but it signals a greater-than-usual likelihood of significant wildfires during the June through September outlook period.
Lake of the Woods Fireworks Planned
A fireworks show is tentatively planned for Lake of the Woods on July 4, 2026, after the Lake of the Woods Homeowners Association signed a contract with a vendor for the event. Organizers say the show remains dependent on fire conditions, weather and Forest Service guidance.
Trailer Fire Displaces Medford Resident
A resident was displaced Sunday night after a trailer fire in the 3000 block of Table Rock Road in Medford. Medford Fire says the blaze was knocked down within eight minutes, caused extensive damage to the RV, and was likely sparked by embers from an outdoor fire pit.
Klamath Falls Home Damaged in Auburn Street Fire
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to a two-story residential structure fire Wednesday in the 1900 block of Auburn Street in Klamath Falls. Crews found heavy fire at the rear of the home extending into the second floor, but no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
Fire Pit Ember Sparks House Fire Near Colonial Valley
A floating ember from an outdoor fire pit is believed to have caused a small house fire near Colonial Valley on Monday afternoon. Firefighters said the resident had mostly extinguished the flames before crews arrived.
Open Burning Window Announced in Klamath County
Klamath County Fire District 1 has announced the 2026 open burning window, set for March 28 through April 12. Fire officials warn that rising fire danger and already reported escaped burns make caution critical. Residents are reminded to follow size, clearance, and supervision requirements to prevent fires from spreading.
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.