Oregon flags are flying at half-staff today in honor of Jason Ensign, the Klamath Falls dozer operator killed while working on the Wrights Spring Fire. A public line-of-duty memorial service is scheduled Saturday at 11 a.m. at Henley High School, with a procession planned beforehand.

As the Wrights Spring Fire disrupts communities across Klamath County, food banks, volunteers, tribal programs, and local fundraisers are helping displaced families and animals. Residents are urged to check current needs and verify donation requests before giving.

Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes who grew up in Klamath Falls, has been confirmed to lead the Indian Health Service. Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, both Democrats, voted against the larger confirmation package that included Cruz.

A 47-year-old Klamath Falls man was killed while operating a bulldozer during firefighting operations on the Wrights Spring Fire. Officials say rapid fire growth cut off Jason Ensign’s escape route as crews worked near Yahwee Plateau.

The Wrights Spring Fire has surged to approximately 8,722 acres east of Chiloquin as Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations expand around the incident. Oregon has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, bringing additional structural firefighting resources to Klamath County.

Level 1 Be Ready evacuation notices are in effect south of Sprague River Road as the Wrights Spring Fire reaches 2,224 acres. About 180 personnel are assigned, and Northwest Team 8 will assume command Friday. No road or highway closures are in effect.

The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to approximately 2,000 acres south of Sprague River and east of Chiloquin. Firefighters strengthened lines along the east flank overnight, while heavy timber, dense vegetation, and rugged terrain continue to challenge crews.

The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to approximately 1,200 acres east of Modoc Point in Klamath County. About 100 firefighters are working through the night, with more resources en route. No evacuations or formal closures are in effect, but the public should avoid nearby forest roads.

A Red Flag Warning will cover the Rogue, Illinois, and Applegate valleys from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening as dry, gusty weather raises fire danger. A Heat Advisory follows Tuesday through Thursday, with some inland communities forecast to reach 105 to 110 degrees.

A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday across the Klamath Basin, Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lake County, and western Harney County. Gusts near 30 mph and humidity as low as 6% could allow fires to spread rapidly.

The Klamath County Fair opens Thursday for four days of livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food, local exhibits, and nighttime entertainment. Trace Adkins, the Challenge of Champions Tour, and Crash 4 Cash headline the 2026 fair, which runs July 30 through Aug. 2.

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.

Dewitt C. Henry, who was convicted of killing six people outside a Klamath Falls restaurant 1977, died July 25 at Snake River Correctional Institution. Henry, 75, had been in state custody since 1979 and was serving six consecutive life sentences.

Two Klamath Falls residents were arrested after an early-morning burglary at the Purple Parrot in Eagle Point. Police say the suspects fled on an electric scooter before officers used a drone, K-9 team and coordinated search to locate them.

Strong winds and extremely low humidity will create critical fire weather conditions across parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California Friday and Saturday. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph as humidity falls into the single digits in some areas.

The Klamath Music Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend with a new home at Watershed Row, a two-day format and a lineup led by Beastie Boys DJ Mix Master Mike. Saturday’s all-ages main event brings live music, food and a first look at one of downtown Klamath Falls’ newest gathering spaces.

A Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for much of Southern Oregon as forecasters expect thunderstorms, abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds Wednesday over fuels already primed for rapid fire growth.

The City of Klamath Falls is converting the intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Wall Street into an all-way stop after safety concerns from the public and a traffic study found the intersection met warrants for the change.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is asking for the public’s help locating a 15-year-old who has been missing from Klamath Falls since July 16. Officials say the teen may be in the Klamath Falls or Portland areas and ask anyone who believes they have seen them to contact law enforcement.

Two Oregon Tech mechanical engineering students joined a two-week semiconductor training camp in Beaverton, gaining hands-on experience in robotics, artificial intelligence, chip manufacturing and advanced industry career pathways.