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.
UPDATED: Red Flag Warning Extended Into Monday for Lightning Risk
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect Sunday for parts of Klamath and Lake counties, and the National Weather Service has issued a new Monday warning for abundant lightning on dry fuels.
Foundations, Les Schwab Commit $1M to Rural Wildfire Readiness
Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and Les Schwab Tire Centers are partnering to provide at least $1 million in wildfire preparedness support for rural Oregon communities. The effort includes quick-response grants and $100,000 in donated tires for Rangeland Fire Protection Associations statewide.
Red Flag Warnings Issued for Abundant Lightning
Red Flag Warnings have been issued for Friday across parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California, including Klamath, Lake, Modoc and Siskiyou counties, as thunderstorms are expected to bring abundant lightning over dry fuels.
Fire Weather Watch Issued for Klamath, Lake, Modoc and Siskiyou Counties
The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Klamath, Lake, Siskiyou and Modoc counties, warning that thunderstorms could bring abundant lightning, dry fuels and gusty outflow winds late Thursday night through Friday night.
Fire Season Now Active Across Oregon
All Oregon Department of Forestry districts are now in fire season, triggering prevention reminders and local restrictions across the state. In Southern Oregon and Northern California, agencies are also updating fire danger levels, burn rules and equipment-use restrictions as conditions dry out.
UPDATED: Crews Hold Spencer Gulch Fire at 75 Acres
Firefighters made strong progress Monday on the Spencer Gulch Fire near Jacksonville, and all evacuation levels have been canceled. ODF Southwest Oregon says the fire remains 75 acres, with hose line around the perimeter and overnight crews continuing mop-up work.
Fire Outlook Points to Elevated Summer Risk
The National Interagency Fire Center’s June outlook shows above-normal significant wildland fire potential across Northern California and parts of the Northwest, with the risk expanding across Oregon as summer progresses. The forecast does not predict specific fires, but it signals a greater-than-usual likelihood of significant wildfires during the June through September outlook period.
Forest Service Says It Is Ready for 2026 Wildfire Season
The U.S. Forest Service says it has more than 28,000 responders ready for the 2026 wildfire season, along with hotshot crews, engines, aircraft, contractors and a national logistics system designed to move resources quickly when fires start.
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.
Arrests, Eluding Case Highlight Busy Week for JPD
Jacksonville Police Department responded to several calls during the week of May 11 through May 17, including a reported grass fire on Highway 238, a small fire near a downtown business, traffic-related arrests, and a dirt bike eluding case. Officers also participated in wildfire preparedness and public safety events.
Oregon Awards $6M for Wildfire Staffing
The Oregon State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $6 million to 180 local fire agencies through the 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. The funding will help agencies add seasonal firefighters or additional shift coverage through October as Oregon prepares for the upcoming wildfire season.
Jackson County To Test Emergency Alerts May 1
Jackson County Emergency Management will conduct its annual pre-fire season test of the Jackson Alerts mass notification system on Friday, May 1. The test will include alerts sent to registered users and a live Emergency Alert System message broadcast through local radio and cable television.