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 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.
Hilt Fire Lined at 15 to 20 Acres Near Colestin Road
ODF Southwest says forward progress has been stopped on the Hilt Fire burning near the 2000 block of Colestin Road in southern Jackson County. The grass fire is estimated at 15 to 20 acres, with Level 1 evacuation notices issued for zones JAC-564 and JAC-566.
Mower Sparks Ament Road Grass Fire Near Grants Pass
A mower sparked a grass fire Sunday afternoon on Ament Road near Moon Mountain, according to Rural Metro Fire. Firefighters from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire and ODF Southwest Oregon District controlled the fire at 1.75 acres with no structural damage reported.
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.
Spontaneous Heating Sparked Blackwell Road Fire
Fire investigators say the Blackwell Road Fire near Central Point was accidental and began from spontaneous heating inside a large mulch pile. Strong winds pushed the fire through nearby materials, across Tolo Road and into grass fields, burning a combined 50 acres.
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.
Blackwell Fire Prompts Evacuations
Evacuation levels will remain in place overnight for the Blackwell Road fire near rural Central Point, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Forward progression of the grassfire has been stopped, but firefighters remain active in the area, with overnight roadblocks continuing near Tolo Road, Nellis Road and Merita Terrace.
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.
Smoke in Rogue Valley Linked to Prescribed Burn Near Jacksonville
Smoke visible in parts of the Rogue and Applegate valleys today is coming from a prescribed fire operation on BLM-administered land near Jacksonville. Fire officials say burn operations were expected between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with patrol and mop-up continuing after hours and through the weekend.
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.
Southwest Oregon Fire Season Starts Friday
Fire season begins Friday, May 15, on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. ODF Southwest Oregon District says the declaration starts at 12:01 a.m. and brings new restrictions on debris burning, fireworks, campfires, smoking, and other fire-risk activities.
BLM Fire Restrictions Begin May 14
Fire restrictions will begin May 14 on all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington. The restrictions prohibit fireworks, exploding targets, certain ammunition, tracer and incendiary devices, and sky lanterns as officials warn of increasing heat and dryness across the Pacific Northwest.
Carney Flat Fire Stopped at 23 Acres
Firefighters stopped the spread of the Carney Flat Fire southeast of Prospect after an overnight response, holding the fire at 23 acres. ODF crews continued mop-up work Saturday and said firefighters will remain on scene until all remaining hot spots are extinguished.
Oregon Warns of Severe Wildfire Risk
Governor Tina Kotek and state wildfire leaders are urging Oregonians to prepare now for what may be a difficult 2026 wildfire season. Officials cited severe drought, record-low snowpack, and forecasts for warmer, drier conditions as major concerns, with above-normal fire risk expected to reach southwestern Oregon in July.
Lightning Fires Reported in Jackson County
ODF Southwest Oregon District says firefighters are responding to small lightning-caused fires in Jackson County after weekend thunderstorms moved through the region. Four fires have been reported so far, with two extinguished and crews checking additional reports near East Antelope Road and northwest of Trail.
Forest Crews Monitor Lightning Fires
Firefighters on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are monitoring for possible holdover fires after more than 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the forest area in 24 hours. The agency said crews responded to reported strikes and visible smoke while continuing prescribed fire work designed to reduce ground fuels under favorable spring conditions.
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.