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.
New Regional Emergency Radio System Goes Live Across Jackson County
Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon has completed the transition to a new regional public safety radio system serving Jackson County and surrounding areas. The multi-year project includes 20 new or upgraded radio sites and nearly 1,800 mobile and portable radios, replacing aging infrastructure that included components more than 30 years old.
Another Fire Hits The Loring as Medford Moves Toward Eminent Domain
Another fire has damaged The Loring on Biddle Road as Medford moves toward eminent domain proceedings for the former hotel property. The city says the building remains unsafe and uninhabitable after years of water damage, fires, unauthorized occupancy, and repeated police calls.
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.
Crews Knock Down West Medford Structure Fire
Firefighters from Medford Fire, Jackson County Fire District 3, and Jacksonville Fire Department knocked down a large structure fire Wednesday evening in west Medford. Crews faced water supply challenges, and West Main Street was temporarily closed during the response.
Fire Damages Multiple Vehicles at Medford Storage Facility
Multiple vehicles and trailers were damaged Tuesday after a fire broke out at a storage facility along East Vilas Road in Medford. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze before it could spread farther through the property. No injuries were reported.
Mother, Three Children Killed in Eagle Point RV Fire
A mother and three children younger than 10 were killed Sunday in an RV fire in rural Eagle Point. One other family member escaped with minor injuries, and investigators currently believe the fire was a non-criminal accident.
Juvenile Detained After Grass Fire Near Highway 62 in White City
A juvenile was detained after motorists reported a grass fire near Highway 62 in White City. Firefighters contained the 40 by 40 foot burn before it could spread, while deputies recovered matches and referred the case for possible charges, including arson.
Forward Progress Stopped on Third-Alarm White City Fire
Forward progress has been stopped on a third-alarm industrial fire in White City. The fire began at 2645 Avenue G, spread into surrounding businesses, and reached the fence separating the incident from the VA property.
Three-Alarm Fire Burns at Biomass Facility in White City
Firefighters are battling a three-alarm fire at the Biomass One facility in White City. Avenue G is closed between Agate Road and Highway 62, with traffic routed to Antelope Road and Linn Road as multiple agencies support suppression efforts.
Spontaneous Heating Sparked Blackwell Road Fire
Fire investigators say the Blackwell Road Fire near Central Point was accidental and began from spontaneous heating inside a large mulch pile. Strong winds pushed the fire through nearby materials, across Tolo Road and into grass fields, burning a combined 50 acres.
Blackwell Fire Held After Wind-Driven Spread
Evacuation levels have been reduced Tuesday morning for the Blackwell Fire near rural Central Point after crews completed a containment line around the fire perimeter overnight. Jackson County Fire District 3 says no homes were lost or damaged, though several outbuildings and industrial-type buildings were damaged inside the fire area.
Blackwell Fire Prompts Evacuations
Evacuation levels will remain in place overnight for the Blackwell Road fire near rural Central Point, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Forward progression of the grassfire has been stopped, but firefighters remain active in the area, with overnight roadblocks continuing near Tolo Road, Nellis Road and Merita Terrace.
JCSO Seeks Driver in Fatal Gold Hill Hit-and-Run (UPDATED)
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 47-year-old pedestrian early Saturday morning in the Gold Hill area. Investigators say the suspect vehicle may have damage to the headlight, hood, or windshield.
Fire District 3 Rescue Team Honored
Members of Jackson County Fire District 3’s Technical Rescue Team have been honored by the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association for their role in a complex high-angle rope rescue near Prospect in early October 2025. Crews descended roughly 350 feet down a cliff and helped recover the victim alive.
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.
Fire Sprinklers Stop Apartment Blaze in Medford
A sprinkler system stopped a potentially dangerous apartment fire on Broad Street in Medford, according to fire officials. Investigators say the blaze was accidentally caused by an unattended candle.