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.
Oregon Calls in California, Washington Fire Task Forces as Wildfires Strain Statewide Resources
Oregon is bringing in seven fire task forces from California and Washington as wildfire activity strains crews and equipment statewide. The teams will support community protection, critical infrastructure and emerging incidents during a period of extreme fire conditions.
Two Forest Service Employees Safely Released After Armed Hostage Standoff
Two U.S. Forest Service employees were safely released after being held at gunpoint for roughly 15 hours near Gumboot Lake. A father and son surrendered following an overnight multi-agency response involving the FBI, local sheriff’s offices and federal tactical teams.
Human Remains Recovered Near Grave Creek Believed to Be Missing Man
Human remains believed to be those of a missing Grants Pass resident were recovered from steep terrain near Reuben Mountain. A formal identification remains pending as investigators await an autopsy by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Oregon Tech Students Explore Robotics, AI and Chipmaking at Semiconductor Camp
Two Oregon Tech mechanical engineering students joined a two-week semiconductor training camp in Beaverton, gaining hands-on experience in robotics, artificial intelligence, chip manufacturing and advanced industry career pathways.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 13,090 Acres as Crews Secure Canyon Creek Spot Fire
The East Evans Creek Fire reached 13,090 acres Friday as crews completed line around the Canyon Creek spot fire and continued reinforcing control lines across nearly 60 miles of perimeter. Extreme fire danger is now in effect across ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Crews Hold East Evans Creek Fire at 11,551 Acres Despite Gusty Winds
Firefighters held the East Evans Creek Fire within its 11,551-acre footprint Thursday despite wind gusts reaching 30 mph. Crews completed line around spot fires near Canyon Creek and southwest of the main fire while structure protection continued near Shady Cove, Trail and Ramsey Creek.
Woman Charged with Murder After Rural Central Point Shooting
Jackson County sheriff’s detectives are investigating after a 62-year-old man was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound inside a rural Central Point home. A 67-year-old woman who had been in a relationship with the victim was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 11,551 Acres as Spot Fires Push Toward Canyon Creek
The East Evans Creek Fire grew to 11,551 acres overnight as spot fires continued challenging crews across the incident. Fire crossed East Evans Creek Road near Hull Mountain, while a new spot fire pushed east from Board Mountain toward Canyon Creek. Five evacuation zones are now at Level 3.
New Spot Fire, Rising Winds Expand Evacuations on East Evans Creek Fire
Fire activity increased across the East Evans Creek Fire Wednesday as a new spot fire developed east of Board Mountain and rising winds threatened continued growth overnight. Four zones are now at Level 3, eight additional zones moved to Level 2 and all of Shady Cove entered Level 1.
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.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 7,843 Acres; Community Meeting Set for Wednesday
A major spot fire on Board Mountain is estimated at approximately 1,000 acres as firefighters continue battling active fire northeast of the East Evans Creek Fire’s main perimeter. Additional crews and equipment have shifted to the area, while JAC-017 moved to Level 2 and JAC-014 entered Level 1.
New Spot Fire Prompts Evacuation Changes on East Evans Creek Fire
A new spot fire east of the East Evans Creek Fire prompted multiple evacuation changes Tuesday evening as extreme fire behavior continued across the northern half of the incident. JAC-124 remains at Level 3, while several surrounding zones were raised to Level 1 or Level 2.
Crews Extinguish Asphalt Plant Fire Along Highway 97
Firefighters extinguished a heavy commercial fire involving asphalt production machinery and above-ground tanks along Highway 97 Saturday evening. Thick black smoke was visible from a distance, but no injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation.
50-Year-Old Man Indicted for Murder as Search Continues for Missing Grants Pass Resident
A Josephine County grand jury has indicted a 50-year-old man on second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon charges as investigators continue searching for Randall “Randy” Hecker, who has been missing from his Summer Lane residence in Grants Pass since July 7.
Fire Danger Rises to Extreme Friday in Jackson, Josephine Counties
Fire danger on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will rise to Extreme early Friday as hot weather, critically dry vegetation and active fire behavior increase the risk of rapid wildfire growth. New restrictions will affect chainsaws, metal work and mowing dry grass.
East Evans Creek Fire Grows to 5,370 Acres as Crews Battle Spot Fires
The East Evans Creek Fire grew by 1,742 acres overnight to 5,370 acres as extreme fire behavior and spotting challenged crews across the north, northwest and northeast. Firefighters defended homes while additional resources arrived ahead of dry thunderstorms and erratic winds.
East Evans Creek Fire Activity Increases as Crews Brace for Thunderstorms
Fire activity increased across portions of the East Evans Creek Fire Monday, prompting additional resource orders and a Level 3 evacuation upgrade for JAC-124. Crews are preparing for thunderstorms, erratic winds and possible new fire starts while southern control lines continue to hold.
Jackson County Fair Opens Tuesday in Central Point
The Jackson County Fair opens Tuesday for six days of concerts, carnival rides, bull riding, livestock competitions, exhibits and family entertainment at The Expo in Central Point. Opening-day admission is $2.50, while Sunday admission is free for everyone.
Three-Alarm Fire Burns at Biomass Facility in White City
Firefighters are battling a three-alarm fire at the Biomass One facility in White City. Avenue G is closed between Agate Road and Highway 62, with traffic routed to Antelope Road and Linn Road as multiple agencies support suppression efforts.
Oregon Expands Education Bridge Grants for Veterans
Oregon has expanded its Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Program, doubling the lifetime award to $10,000 and opening eligibility to veterans whose financial hardships could threaten their ability to complete college, apprenticeship or vocational training.