Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
Fielder Mountain Fire 90% Lined, 7% Contained
Firefighters held established control lines overnight on the Fielder Mountain Fire, bringing the incident to approximately 90% lined. The fire is mapped at 548 acres and remains 7% contained as crews continue strengthening lines and mopping up near homes west of Rogue River.
Fielder Mountain Fire Reaches 7% Containment as Crews Line 75% of Perimeter
The Fielder Mountain Fire remains estimated at 550 acres and is now 7% contained as firefighters continue securing the perimeter north of Rogue River. Crews have completed line around approximately 75% of the fire, with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 set to assume command Friday evening.
Fielder Mountain Fire Grows to 400 Acres as Evacuations Expand Near Rogue River
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.
Fire Danger Peaks Across Southern Oregon as I-5 Fire Reaches 23% Containment
Fire danger remains high to extreme across Southern Oregon as crews increase containment on the 100-acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire near Grants Pass to 23%. Evacuations have eased to Level 1, both northbound lanes are open, and firefighters continue mop-up under Red Flag conditions.
Crews Stop New Grants Pass Fire as Mop-Up Advances on Larger Incidents
Firefighters stopped a new grass fire near Greenfield Road at one acre Monday while crews expanded mop-up operations on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire and increased containment on the East Evans Creek Fire to 95%.
I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Mapped at 96 Acres, Line Completed Around Perimeter
Firefighters completed line around the entire perimeter of the I-5 MM 57 Fire overnight. Infrared mapping measured the fire at 96 acres, but officials say the higher acreage reflects improved mapping rather than overnight growth.
I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Estimated at 75 to 80 Acres, One Residence Reportedly Lost
An I-5 wildfire near Beacon Hill in Grants Pass grew to 75 acres Saturday evening as crews built hand and dozer line around 30% of the fire. Level 3 evacuations remain in place, two MAFFS aircraft are supporting the response, and initial reports indicate one residence was lost.
Ashland Police Arrest Man After Strong-Arm Robbery
A Grants Pass man was arrested after Ashland police said he pulled a woman from a car, stole her purse and fled toward Interstate 5. Officers recovered some of the stolen property, and the victim did not report any injuries.
Wildlife Bridge Over I-5 Gets Green Light South of Ashland
Federal funding has cleared for the Mariposa Wildlife Crossing, a planned $37 million wildlife bridge over Interstate 5 south of Ashland. The project would reconnect habitat in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, reduce wildlife crashes and give SOU students years of research work.
Driver Seriously Injured in I-5 Rollover
A driver was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 5 near Wolf Creek. Rural Metro Fire, responding on behalf of Wolf Creek Rural Fire Protection District, said firefighters removed the vehicle’s roof and windshield to extricate the driver.
Wrong-Way I-5 Driver Charged After Head-On Crash
A Grants Pass man is hospitalized with serious injuries after authorities say he drove the wrong way onto Interstate 5 near Rogue River and crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the incident began when a deputy attempted to stop a speeding Toyota pickup on Rogue River Highway.
Semi Truck Fire Triggers Explosions on I-5 Near Sunny Valley
A semi truck carrying hazardous cargo caught fire on I-5 near Sunny Valley, triggering explosions and spreading into nearby vegetation. Fire crews from multiple agencies responded, and one firefighter was treated for smoke exposure as crews worked to contain the blaze and prevent environmental impact.
Fatal I-5 Crash Near Canyonville; CMV Driver Charged with Manslaughter, DUII
A fatal crash on Interstate 5 near Canyonville left one person dead and three others injured after a stalled commercial motor vehicle was struck on an uphill grade, according to Oregon State Police. The collision caused the involved vehicles to catch fire, and investigators said impairment is believed to be a contributing factor. The commercial truck driver was arrested and charged with DUII and manslaughter following the incident.
Rain, Snow and Wind Expected Across Southern Oregon This Week
Rain, snow, and gusty winds are expected across Southern Oregon this week as a strong weather system moves through the region. The National Weather Service says heavy mountain snow, falling snow levels, and winds up to 55 mph could impact travel, while a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the southern Oregon Cascades with up to 20 inches of snow possible.
OSP Seeks Information in Fatal Hit-and-Run on I-5 in Jackson County
Oregon State Police are asking for the public’s help as investigators continue to look for information related to a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 5 in Jackson County.
Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Closes I-5 in Jackson County
A Medford woman was killed early Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 in Jackson County. Oregon State Police say the collision occurred after a vehicle attempted to make a U-turn for unknown reasons.
Two Killed in Separate Oregon Crashes as Winter Conditions Impact Roads
Two people were killed in separate crashes reported by Oregon State Police over the weekend, including a three-vehicle collision on Highway 97 in Klamath County where icy road conditions were a contributing factor.
Wrong-Way Driver Killed in I-5 Head-On Crash Near Grants Pass
A wrong-way crash on I-5 near Grants Pass early Saturday left one person dead and two injured, according to Oregon State Police. Northbound traffic was impacted for about four hours during the investigation.