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.
OSFM Begins Demobilizing as Crews Prep Firing Operation
The Wrights Spring Fire has reached 53,388 acres and 9% containment as crews prepare southern control lines for a potential firing operation. OSFM structure protection resources are entering their final shift, while several evacuation zones have been reduced as threats to homes continue to decline.
Rain Gives Wrights Spring Fire Crews a Break as Structure Protection Scales Back
Overnight rain moderated conditions on the Wrights Spring Fire, giving crews time to reinforce containment lines before warmer, drier weather returns. The fire is 53,061 acres and 6% contained as structure protection resources scale back in northern areas and work continues along the south and southwest.
Fielder Mountain Fire Reaches 7% Containment as Crews Line 75% of Perimeter
The Fielder Mountain Fire remains estimated at 550 acres and is now 7% contained as firefighters continue securing the perimeter north of Rogue River. Crews have completed line around approximately 75% of the fire, with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 set to assume command Friday evening.
Fielder Mountain Fire Grows to 400 Acres as Evacuations Expand Near Rogue River
The Fielder Mountain Fire north of Rogue River has grown to an estimated 400 acres as night crews move into place and additional evacuations are issued. Fifteen hand crews, 14 engines, seven dozers, and other resources are working the fire after 11 aircraft supported suppression efforts Thursday.
Extreme Fire Conditions Close Gilchrist, Sun Pass State Forests
Extreme fire conditions have prompted ODF to immediately close the Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests to the public. The closures affect more than 93,000 acres in Klamath County, with no reopening date announced.
Structure Protection Shifts South as Wrights Spring Fire Crews Secure Northern Areas
The Wrights Spring Fire has reached 53,032 acres and 6% containment as crews increasingly move northern areas into patrol status. Structure protection and line construction remain focused farther south, while officials confirm one primary structure and three outbuildings were lost earlier in the incident.
Oregon Honors Jason Ensign as Memorial Service Set for Saturday
Oregon flags are flying at half-staff today in honor of Jason Ensign, the Klamath Falls dozer operator killed while working on the Wrights Spring Fire. A public line-of-duty memorial service is scheduled Saturday at 11 a.m. at Henley High School, with a procession planned beforehand.
Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 5% Containment as Crews Focus on Southwest Flank
The Wrights Spring Fire is now 52,531 acres and 5% contained with 761 personnel assigned. Crews report increasingly secure lines on the north end while firefighters work spot fires and build control line near Swan Lake Rim. An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for Klamath and Lake counties.
Klamath Basin Rallies to Help Wrights Spring Fire Evacuees
As the Wrights Spring Fire disrupts communities across Klamath County, food banks, volunteers, tribal programs, and local fundraisers are helping displaced families and animals. Residents are urged to check current needs and verify donation requests before giving.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 51,687 Acres as Crews Strengthen Southern Lines
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to 51,687 acres as crews strengthen control lines across the incident. Fire officials report progress on the north end, while structure protection continues around Bly Mountain, Bliss Road, and Swan Lake. Evacuations remain widespread.
Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 46,769 Acres as Large Forest Closure Takes Effect
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to 46,769 acres after adding nearly 12,800 acres in 24 hours. Evacuations remain widespread across southern Klamath County, 555 personnel are assigned to the incident, and a large Fremont-Winema National Forest closure is now in effect.
Wrights Spring Fire Crosses Bliss Road as Crews Battle Eastward Spread (UPDATED)
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to 33,970 acres and remains 0% contained after pushing east and southeast across Bliss Road near Round Mountain. Ten structural task forces are working across the incident as crews build control lines and expand structure protection around Sprague River.
Evacuations Issued as Crescent Butte Fire Burns Near Gilchrist (UPDATED)
A new wildfire near Crescent and Gilchrist is sending a large smoke column over northern Klamath County and has prompted Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation notices. A temporary evacuation point has been established at La Pine High School.
Wrights Spring Fire Mapped at 19,290 Acres as Evacuations Expand (UPDATED)
The Wrights Spring Fire is mapped at 19,290 acres and remains 0% contained west of Sprague River. Unified command is in place with 316 personnel assigned, expanded evacuations in effect, and eight OSFM task forces supporting structure protection.
Woodrat Fire Reaches 15% Containment as I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Hits 91%
Firefighters continue making progress on two southwest Oregon wildfires. The Woodrat Mountain Fire near Ruch remains at 282 acres and has reached 15% containment, while the 100 acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire near Grants Pass is now 91% contained and nearing the end of active suppression.
Dozer Operator Killed While Fighting Wrights Spring Fire
A 47-year-old Klamath Falls man was killed while operating a bulldozer during firefighting operations on the Wrights Spring Fire. Officials say rapid fire growth cut off Jason Ensign’s escape route as crews worked near Yahwee Plateau.
Level 3 Evacuations Issued as Wrights Spring Fire Surges to 8,722 Acres
The Wrights Spring Fire has surged to approximately 8,722 acres east of Chiloquin as Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations expand around the incident. Oregon has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, bringing additional structural firefighting resources to Klamath County.
Woodrat Fire 100% Lined Overnight, Mapped at 282 Acres
Firefighters have completed line around 100% of the Woodrat Mountain Fire near Ruch. Updated infrared mapping places the fire at 282 acres, with 60% of the perimeter hose lined as crews continue securing the fire through steep terrain and dense timber.
Level 1 Evacuations Issued as Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 2,224 Acres
Level 1 Be Ready evacuation notices are in effect south of Sprague River Road as the Wrights Spring Fire reaches 2,224 acres. About 180 personnel are assigned, and Northwest Team 8 will assume command Friday. No road or highway closures are in effect.
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.