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.
East Evans Creek Fire Remains at 2,656 Acres as Wind Gusts Test Lines
The East Evans Creek Fire remains estimated at 2,656 acres and 0% containment west of Shady Cove. Crews strengthened southern fire lines overnight as officials warned gusts up to 30 mph could challenge suppression efforts Sunday. Evacuation levels remain unchanged.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 2,656 Acres as Lines Hold, Teams Take Command
Containment lines held Saturday on the Evans Creek Road Fire as crews limited additional growth and state incident management teams assumed unified command. The fire is estimated at 2,656 acres, with an infrared flight planned to confirm its size.
East Evans Creek Fire Grows to 2,000 Acres as 400 Firefighters Mobilize
The Evans Creek Road Fire has grown to approximately 2,000 acres, with more than 400 personnel assigned Saturday. Crews are preparing for warm, dry and breezy conditions as ODF Incident Management Team 1 mobilizes to take command of the fire.
Crews Work Through Night on Evans Creek Road Fire
Firefighters worked through the night on the Evans Creek Road Fire after hot, dry conditions and multiple spot fires drove rapid growth Friday. The fire was last estimated at approximately 1,550 acres, with Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices still active Saturday morning.
State Reinforcements Head to Evans Creek Road Fire
State reinforcements are headed to the Evans Creek Road Fire after Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is deploying its Blue Incident Management Team and four structural task forces to support local crews.
Kotek Comes Out Against IP28 (VIDEO)
The Oregon governor’s opposition adds a major twist to a proposed animal cruelty measure that has divided hunters, farmers, ranchers, animal-rights advocates and political leaders across the state.
Bitzer Wins Klamath County Race as Oregon Sets November Matchups
Unofficial Wednesday morning election results show Steve Bitzer appearing to win the Klamath County Commissioner Position 2 race outright, while Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 and several major statewide races moved toward November matchups.
Lake County DA Resigns, Citing Severe Funding Crisis
Lake County District Attorney Paul Charas is resigning just over a year into his term, saying chronic underfunding has made it increasingly difficult to prosecute cases. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Charas cited staffing shortages, minimal trial resources, and the strain of serving as the county’s only prosecutor.
Oregon Declares Fuel Emergency After Olympic Pipeline Shutdown
Governor Tina Kotek has declared a statewide state of emergency following the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon’s transportation fuel. While officials say current fuel supplies remain adequate, the order activates emergency plans and gives the state flexibility to keep fuel moving if conditions change.
$6.4M Philanthropic Match Expands Oregon Hunger Relief
Governor Tina Kotek has announced that philanthropic partners in the Oregon Disaster Funders Network have matched the state’s $6 million investment in hunger relief, identifying more than $6.4 million to support food banks, pantries, and community organizations statewide. The partnership expands resources identified through the Governor’s emergency food order.
Kotek Signs Emergency Transportation Bill
Governor Tina Kotek has signed House Bill 3991, securing $300 million to maintain Oregon’s roads, bridges, and transit systems while preventing layoffs and updating how the state funds transportation.
Oregon Restores Full SNAP Benefits After Federal Court Order
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced that full November SNAP benefits have been restored after a court order required the federal government to continue funding food assistance during the shutdown.
Oregon Directs $1 Million to Tribal Governments
Governor Tina Kotek has allocated $1 million in emergency funds to Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes to combat food insecurity during the federal shutdown, which has disrupted SNAP benefits for families statewide.