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.
Klamath Falls Structure Fire Complicated by Downed Power Line
A downed power line complicated firefighting efforts at a residence on Morningside Lane in Klamath Falls early Sunday, October 18. Klamath County Fire District 1 and Kingsley Field firefighters worked together to contain the blaze. No firefighter injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
Klamath Falls Garage Fire Contained Before Spreading Through Home
Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighters contained a Friday morning garage fire on Lincoln Street in Klamath Falls before flames could significantly spread into the attached home. All occupants had evacuated before crews arrived, no injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
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.
KCFD1 Completes $300,000 Station 1 Improvement Project
Klamath County Fire District 1 has completed approximately $300,000 in improvements at Station 1, replacing bay doors dating to the 1930s and upgrading the station to better accommodate modern fire and EMS vehicles. The project was funded through several years of capital planning and builds on earlier remodeling and seismic upgrades.
KCFD1 responds to two escaped fires, warns fall fire danger is not over
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to two escaped fires Monday afternoon, including a backyard fire that damaged fencing on neighboring properties and a wind-driven brush fire along Highway 97 South. Fire officials say dry grass and brush across the Klamath Basin can still carry fire quickly despite cooler fall conditions.
Klamath Falls Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Bullet Hits Fire Truck
A Klamath Falls man faces four counts of attempted murder after authorities say he fired a handgun during a dispute on Arthur Street. The shot struck an occupied Klamath County Fire District 1 apparatus as crews were leaving the residence, but no firefighters were injured.
Stolen Fire Command Vehicle Recovered After Pursuit Across Klamath County
A stolen Klamath County Fire District No. 1 command vehicle was recovered Friday after a pursuit through southeastern Klamath County. Deputies say the suspect was also linked to an earlier arson and burglary at a Highway 97 gas station.
Early-Morning Fire Heavily Damages Wong’s Cafe in Downtown Klamath Falls
Wong’s Cafe in downtown Klamath Falls sustained significant fire and smoke damage early Thursday after firefighters responded to heavy smoke and embers coming from the roof. The fire was contained before spreading to neighboring businesses.
KCFD1 Honors Operations Chief Toni Brimmer After 28 Years of Service
After 28 years with Klamath County Fire District 1, Operations Chief Toni Brimmer has retired. From firefighter to operations chief, Brimmer helped mentor generations of firefighters and leaders while building a legacy of service across the Klamath Basin.
20-Foot Flames Threaten Homes in Klamath Falls Vegetation Fire
A vegetation fire behind Home Depot in Klamath Falls grew to about a half-acre Thursday afternoon, with flames estimated at 20 feet high threatening nearby homes and vehicles. Firefighters contained the blaze as gusty winds, very low humidity, and extreme fire danger affected the region.
Klamath County Fire District 3 Ends Ambulance Service
Klamath County Fire District 3 has voted unanimously to end its ambulance service, citing costs that insurance billing does not cover. The former service area will be divided among Chiloquin, Klamath County Fire District 1, and Basin Ambulance, with longer response times expected in some areas.
Dog rescued from Klamath Falls house fire
Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighters rescued a dog and searched a Lincoln Street home Sunday after reports the resident might still be inside. Crews arrived within four minutes and confirmed no one was in the residence.
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.
Two Shot in Chiloquin, Suspect Arrested on Attempted Murder Charges
Two people were hospitalized after a shooting in Chiloquin Friday afternoon. Investigators later located a vehicle connected to the shooting, and community tips helped lead authorities to a suspect now facing attempted murder and assault charges.
Crews Extinguish Asphalt Plant Fire Along Highway 97
Firefighters extinguished a heavy commercial fire involving asphalt production machinery and above-ground tanks along Highway 97 Saturday evening. Thick black smoke was visible from a distance, but no injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation.
Sharpening Water Rescue Skills Ahead of Summer
Klamath County Fire District 1 crews trained with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office on surface and swift water rescue operations in Klamath Falls, using the exercise to remind residents to wear personal flotation devices around local waterways.
Bonanza Woman Killed in Oregon 39 Crash
A Bonanza woman was killed Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 39 at the South Side Expressway intersection near Klamath Falls, according to Oregon State Police.
Vacant Building Destroyed in Highway 39 Fire
A vacant structure near Oregon Highway 39 and Roberta Drive in Klamath Falls was destroyed in an overnight fire Thursday, according to Klamath County Fire District 1. Fire officials said crews encountered heavy fire throughout the building and later shifted to a defensive strategy because of fire conditions and structural instability.
KCFD1 Closes Open Burning as Fire Season Begins
Klamath County Fire District 1 has closed all open burning within its district boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions. The closure applies to Klamath Falls and surrounding areas, while barbecues, cooking appliances, and certain contained fire pits remain allowed under specific safety rules.