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.
Jackson County Fire Districts Expand Services Without Raising Taxes
Jackson County Fire Districts 3 and 5 have signed an expanded agreement to share personnel, equipment, and emergency operations beginning in 2027. The partnership will increase staffing at District 5 stations while maintaining separate tax districts and governance.
Woman Rescued From Domestic Well After Two Hours in Water
A woman was rescued after falling about 20 feet into a domestic well and spending roughly two hours in 12 feet of standing water. Jackson County Fire District 3 and Central Point police brought her to the surface in about 30 to 35 minutes.
Forest Service Says It Is Ready for 2026 Wildfire Season
The U.S. Forest Service says it has more than 28,000 responders ready for the 2026 wildfire season, along with hotshot crews, engines, aircraft, contractors and a national logistics system designed to move resources quickly when fires start.
KCFD1 Firefighters Honored for Klamath Falls Rescue
Klamath County Fire District 1 personnel were recognized by the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association for their actions during a Nov. 14, 2025 residential structure fire rescue in Klamath Falls. Crews arrived in under four minutes, located and removed a trapped occupant, and began advanced medical care during rapidly deteriorating fire conditions.
Lightning Fires Reported in Jackson County
ODF Southwest Oregon District says firefighters are responding to small lightning-caused fires in Jackson County after weekend thunderstorms moved through the region. Four fires have been reported so far, with two extinguished and crews checking additional reports near East Antelope Road and northwest of Trail.
Forest Crews Monitor Lightning Fires
Firefighters on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are monitoring for possible holdover fires after more than 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the forest area in 24 hours. The agency said crews responded to reported strikes and visible smoke while continuing prescribed fire work designed to reduce ground fuels under favorable spring conditions.
Kathmandu Fire Chief Visits Grants Pass
Grants Pass Fire & Rescue welcomed Kathmandu Fire Chief Kishor Kumar Bhattarai for a hands-on training demonstration and tour of local fire facilities. The visit gave firefighters an opportunity to share knowledge, compare emergency response practices, and strengthen connections across the global fire service community.
Medford Fire Graduates Eight New Firefighters
Medford Fire celebrated the graduation of Recruit Academy 26-01, honoring eight recruits who completed a 13-week academy and are now transitioning into service as probationary firefighters. Family, friends, City of Medford leadership, and department officials attended the ceremony.
Oregon Awards $6M for Wildfire Staffing
The Oregon State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $6 million to 180 local fire agencies through the 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. The funding will help agencies add seasonal firefighters or additional shift coverage through October as Oregon prepares for the upcoming wildfire season.
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.
Firefighters Deliver Two Babies in Klamath County
Klamath County Fire District 1 crews recently assisted with two field births within a two-week period, helping deliver both babies before the mothers could reach the hospital. Firefighters and paramedics safely delivered the newborns and transported the mothers and babies to Sky Lakes Medical Center for further care, highlighting the training and versatility of local emergency responders.
KCFD1 Honors Crew for Life-Saving Fire Response
Klamath County Fire District 1 recognized firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs for their rapid response during a November 14 structure fire, where crews rescued a trapped resident within minutes under hazardous conditions.
NorCal Firefighters Extinguish House Fire in Castella
Fire crews from Castella, Dunsmuir, Mount Shasta, Weed, and CAL FIRE Siskiyou worked together to extinguish a house fire on Castella Loop Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.