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.
SWAT Standoff Ends in Medford Arrest
Medford Police say an early morning shots-fired call on South Holly Street led to a SWAT response after several people refused to come out of a residence. Officers reported no injuries and said one man was jailed on multiple firearm and domestic violence-related charges.
KCFD1 Closes Open Burning as Fire Season Begins
Klamath County Fire District 1 has closed all open burning within its district boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions. The closure applies to Klamath Falls and surrounding areas, while barbecues, cooking appliances, and certain contained fire pits remain allowed under specific safety rules.
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.
Fire Season Begins Friday in Klamath and Lake Counties
Fire season will officially begin Friday, May 22, in Klamath and Lake counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District and partner agencies are moving into coordinated fire season operations, with Moderate fire danger and IFPL I restrictions taking effect.
Wrong-Way I-5 Driver Charged After Head-On Crash
A Grants Pass man is hospitalized with serious injuries after authorities say he drove the wrong way onto Interstate 5 near Rogue River and crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the incident began when a deputy attempted to stop a speeding Toyota pickup on Rogue River Highway.
Pedestrian Killed in Highway 97 Crash
An 18-year-old Klamath Falls resident died Saturday morning after being struck by a commercial vehicle on Highway 97 near milepost 264, according to Oregon State Police.
JCSO Seeks Driver in Fatal Gold Hill Hit-and-Run (UPDATED)
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 47-year-old pedestrian early Saturday morning in the Gold Hill area. Investigators say the suspect vehicle may have damage to the headlight, hood, or windshield.
Missing 2-Year-Old Found Safe
A missing 2-year-old child was found safe Wednesday evening after a multi-agency search in the Cal Pines subdivision of Modoc County. The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office says the child was located about 1.5 miles from her residence and treated for very minor injuries.
Klamath Falls Man Dies in South 6th Street Crash
A Klamath Falls man died Thursday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash on South 6th Street near the intersection with Wiard Street. Oregon State Police says one other driver was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center with minor injuries, while a third driver was reportedly not injured.
KCFD1 Stops Fire From Spreading
Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighters stopped a residential fire from fully spreading to a neighboring home Friday afternoon in the 800 block of California Avenue. The primary residence sustained extensive fire and smoke damage, while the adjacent home was damaged by radiant heat and fire exposure.
Fire District 3 Rescue Team Honored
Members of Jackson County Fire District 3’s Technical Rescue Team have been honored by the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association for their role in a complex high-angle rope rescue near Prospect in early October 2025. Crews descended roughly 350 feet down a cliff and helped recover the victim alive.
Bystander Helps Stop Medford Kidnapping Attempt (video)
A Jackson County Grand Jury has indicted 42-year-old Matthew Hokulii Aranda on 10 charges after investigators say he posed as a utility worker, attacked a caregiver at a rural Medford mobile home park, and attempted to kidnap her before an 85-year-old bystander intervened.
Driver Arrested After Josephine County Pursuit
A man was arrested Wednesday morning after Josephine County deputies say he fled a traffic stop in a pickup truck towing a trailer near Rogue River Highway. Deputies ended the pursuit for safety after the vehicle entered oncoming lanes, then later found the vehicle stopped on Savage Creek Road.
KCFD1 Firefighters Honored for Klamath Falls Rescue
Klamath County Fire District 1 personnel were recognized by the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association for their actions during a Nov. 14, 2025 residential structure fire rescue in Klamath Falls. Crews arrived in under four minutes, located and removed a trapped occupant, and began advanced medical care during rapidly deteriorating fire conditions.
Two Killed in Highway 62 Motorcycle Crash
Two Central Point residents were killed Monday night in a crash involving a pickup and motorcycle on Highway 62 in Jackson County, according to Oregon State Police. OSP says impairment is considered a primary cause of the crash, and a Medford driver was arrested on DUII, reckless driving, and manslaughter charges.
Medford Police Investigate School Threat Hoax
Medford Police are investigating a reported hoax threat involving South Medford High School after a student reported that their school email account may have been hacked and used to send a threatening message. Police say extra officers were assigned to the school, but investigators do not believe there is a credible threat to student safety.
Grants Pass Fire Restrictions Begin Friday
Fire season restrictions will begin inside the City of Grants Pass on Friday, May 15, at 12:01 a.m. The city will enter fire season at a low fire danger level, with rules limiting open fires, smoking near flammable vegetation, vehicle use, power saws, mowing, and other activities that can increase wildfire risk.
Car Hits SOU Building
A driver was injured Tuesday after a vehicle crashed into Stevenson Union on the Southern Oregon University campus in Ashland, rupturing a gas meter and prompting an evacuation. Ashland Fire & Rescue says the building was cleared for re-entry shortly after 2 p.m.
Fire Damages Vacant Klamath Falls Home
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded Monday morning to a structure fire at an abandoned home in the 1700 block of Arthur Street in Klamath Falls. Crews found smoke and fire coming from the vacant structure, brought the fire under control, and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes.
Siskiyou Sheriff Holds Dorris Town Hall on Wolf Concerns
Siskiyou County officials held a town hall in Dorris this week to discuss public safety concerns with Butte Valley residents, including ongoing issues involving gray wolves, livestock depredation and reported wolf habituation. The Sheriff’s Office says additional town halls are planned this month in Quartz Valley, Happy Camp, Tulelake and Hornbrook.