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.
Woodrat Fire Reaches 300 Acres, 50% Lined Near Ruch
The Woodrat Fire has grown to approximately 300 acres and is 50% lined near Ruch. Six hand crews, four dozers, engines, water tenders, and falling modules are taking over overnight operations as firefighters work to limit movement toward Sterling Creek Road.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 2,000 Acres as Crews Make Overnight Progress
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.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 1,200 Acres East of Modoc Point
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.
Botulism Returns to Tule Lake as Lower Klamath Wetlands Dry
Thousands of migratory birds have died at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge as avian botulism spreads through warm, stagnant wetlands. Bird Alliance of Oregon is seeking emergency water, while local leaders, irrigators, and the Klamath Tribes debate how to respond without worsening risks elsewhere in the Basin.
Southern Oregon Lawmakers Join Push to Protect Hunting, Fishing and Farming Rights
Oregon Republican leaders are proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to hunt, fish, gather wild foods, and raise animals or crops. If lawmakers approve the proposal during the 2027 session, it could go before Oregon voters in November 2028.
In Photos: Smoke, Fire and Community Response
The East Evans Creek Fire reached 90% containment 21 days after igniting west of Shady Cove. Photographs submitted by residents, firefighters, and fire command capture the smoke, evacuations, aircraft, public meetings, community support, and crews who worked to protect life and property.
Medford Utility Bills Rise in August: What the Charge Covers
Medford’s monthly utility charge for single-family homes increased from $76.53 to $85.91 on July 1. The higher rate will first appear on August bills and helps fund sewer service, public safety, storm drains, street maintenance and parks across the city.
New Four-Way Stop Coming to Esplanade and Wall Near Klamath Union High School
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.
Loveless Fire Prompts Level 3 Evacuation Northeast of Sprague River
A new wildfire northeast of Sprague River has prompted evacuation orders and warnings in Klamath County. Early reports placed the Loveless Fire at approximately 75 acres, with heavy spotting reported as crews responded to the developing incident.
Two Military Airtankers Mobilized to Klamath Falls for Western Wildfires
Two military C-130 Hercules airtankers equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems have been mobilized to Klamath Falls, providing additional surge capacity as dozens of large wildfires burn across the West. Each aircraft can release up to 3,000 gallons of retardant in seconds.
Sky Lakes Wins National Award for Work Beyond Hospital Walls
Sky Lakes Medical Center has become the first hospital in Oregon to win the American Hospital Association’s Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, a national honor recognizing years of community health work in the Klamath Basin.
Fireworks Beach Cleanup Turns Into Life-Changing Emergency Near Crescent City
Jason Turner was picking up fireworks trash at Point St. George Beach near Crescent City when an explosive device went off, causing severe injuries. His family says Turner lost a hand, is facing more surgeries and is dealing with vision and hearing loss.
Medford Fire Station 15 Enters Final Phase
Medford Fire crews are moving into the new Fire Station 15 on Roberts Road as the rebuild enters its final phase. The project replaces Medford’s oldest fire station and is expected to add modern space for crews, EMS response and logistics support.
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.
Siskiyou County Deputy Sent to Washington, D.C.
A Siskiyou County sheriff’s deputy is serving in Washington, D.C., as part of a temporary U.S. Marshals task force supporting high-visibility patrols and security operations around major 250th anniversary events in the nation’s capital.
Affordable Townhomes Opening in Klamath Falls
Mountainview Townhomes, a new 72-home affordable housing development in Klamath Falls, will celebrate its grand opening June 23. The development includes one-, two- and three-bedroom townhomes, shared community spaces, a playground, dog run, community garden and project-based vouchers for very low-income residents.
Yoss Creek Fire Fully Lined North of Chiloquin
Firefighters worked through the night on the Yoss Creek Fire north of Chiloquin, keeping the human-caused fire at approximately 8 acres. SCOFMP says the fire is fully lined, with no structures threatened and no road closures reported.
Mutual Aid Response Helps Stop West Jones Fire at 17 Acres
Rural Metro Fire says a fast mutual-aid response helped stop the West Jones Fire at 17 acres Monday evening near Grants Pass. Several homes were threatened along West Jones Creek Road and Rancho Vista Drive, but officials said all residences were protected.
Siskiyou County Continues Crackdown on Illegal Marijuana Grows
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office says illegal grow enforcement efforts are continuing, with NSMIT reporting 332,871 marijuana plants eradicated in 2025 and another 903 plants removed during a June 4 warrant in Mount Shasta Vista.
Williams Man Faces DUII, Assault Charges After ATV Crash Injures Two Juveniles
A Williams man is facing multiple potential charges, including DUII and third-degree assault, after a quad ATV crash injured three people, including two juveniles. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office says the case has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution review.