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.
Fire Pit Ember Sparks House Fire Near Colonial Valley
A floating ember from an outdoor fire pit is believed to have caused a small house fire near Colonial Valley on Monday afternoon. Firefighters said the resident had mostly extinguished the flames before crews arrived.
Pedestrian Killed in Douglas County Crash on Highway 42
A Eugene woman was killed late Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Highway 42 in Douglas County, according to Oregon State Police. The crash temporarily impacted traffic for about four hours as investigators worked the scene.
Two Hikers Rescued on South Sister
Two hikers were rescued on South Sister after one suffered a medical issue and mild hypothermia during a descent, prompting an overnight response from Deschutes County Search and Rescue crews.
Overnight Motorhome Fire in Murphy
A motorhome being used as a residence was destroyed in an overnight fire in Murphy. The occupant suffered minor burns while trying to extinguish the flames before the fire spread to a nearby vehicle and trees.
Fire Sprinklers Stop Apartment Blaze in Medford
A sprinkler system stopped a potentially dangerous apartment fire on Broad Street in Medford, according to fire officials. Investigators say the blaze was accidentally caused by an unattended candle.
Shots Fired During Medford Break-In Attempt
A man armed with an axe was shot during an apparent apartment break-in attempt early Tuesday in Medford, according to police. Authorities say no other injuries were reported.
Charges Recommended After Dorris Paraquat Spill
CHP has recommended possible charges after a paraquat spill in Dorris shut down Highway 97 and triggered a shelter-in-place order. Investigators say the tank came loose from a truck headed to a spraying job in the Shasta Valley.
Three Rescued From Two-Story House Fire in Wilderville
Three people were rescued from a two-story house fire in Wilderville after a kitchen blaze trapped occupants upstairs. Firefighters used ladders to reach second-floor windows, while two people were taken to the hospital and several pets were also saved.
Semi Truck Fire Triggers Explosions on I-5 Near Sunny Valley
A semi truck carrying hazardous cargo caught fire on I-5 near Sunny Valley, triggering explosions and spreading into nearby vegetation. Fire crews from multiple agencies responded, and one firefighter was treated for smoke exposure as crews worked to contain the blaze and prevent environmental impact.
Search Warrant Served in Ashland Child Exploitation Investigation
Investigators served a search warrant in Ashland after identifying child sexual abuse material linked to a residence. Digital evidence was seized, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Prospect Man Arrested on Child Sex Crime Charges
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a Prospect man on five child sex crime charges, including rape and sexual abuse. The investigation remains ongoing.
Fire Crews Quickly Contain Duplex Fire
Klamath County Fire District #1 crews quickly contained a duplex fire in the Roosevelt area, preventing injuries and likely avoiding displacement of residents. The incident also marked a first working fire for two members of the department.
Multi-Agency Drug Bust Seizes Meth, Cocaine, Guns, and Cash
A six-week drug investigation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, and more than $227,000 in cash across Southern Oregon and Northern California.
Crash Sparks Vehicle Fire After Attempted Firewood Theft
A vehicle caught fire after crashing on Robertson Bridge Road near Merlin Tuesday night. Officials say the driver had attempted to leave the area with firewood from private property before the crash occurred.
Vehicle Found After Rollover Crash Near Cave Junction
Emergency crews responded to a rollover crash near Cave Junction but found no occupants at the scene after searching the vehicle and surrounding area. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Holland Loop Road.
Child Exploitation Investigation Prompts Search Warrant in Eagle Point
A child exploitation investigation in Eagle Point led to a search warrant at a residence after a tip indicated illegal material had been uploaded. Investigators seized digital devices and continue to examine evidence as the multi-agency case remains active.
GP Staffer Arrested in Sex Abuse Case
A Grants Pass school support staff member has been arrested following a grand jury indictment in a sex abuse investigation involving four identified victims. Oregon State Police say the case spans multiple years and includes six counts of sexual abuse in the first degree.
Barricaded Suspect Taken Into Custody After Jacksonville Standoff
A barricaded suspect was taken into custody in Jacksonville following a domestic assault involving a knife that left one person injured. The incident prompted a large multi-agency response, including a shelter-in-place alert, specialized resources, and SWAT activation before the situation was resolved without further incident.
Portland Man Killed in Highway 97 Crash Near Chemult
A 48-year-old Portland man was killed in a crash on Highway 97 near Chemult after his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic at the scene of an earlier collision. The highway was impacted for several hours during the investigation.
Klamath Falls Police K9 Bullitt Retires Following Cancer Diagnosis
K9 Bullitt of the Klamath Falls Police Department has been retired following a diagnosis of aggressive cancer. The longtime police dog will spend his remaining time with his handler after nearly nine years of service to the community.