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.
U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Rescues Injured Rafter from Remote Rogue River
An injured rafter was rescued from a remote section of the Rogue River west of Galice after suffering a severe leg injury Sunday evening. With limited access and no cell service in the area, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard to reach the rafter by helicopter.
Lightning Threat Prompts Red Flag Warning Across Southern Oregon
A Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for much of Southern Oregon as forecasters expect thunderstorms, abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds Wednesday over fuels already primed for rapid fire growth.
New Four-Way Stop Coming to Esplanade and Wall Near Klamath Union High School
The City of Klamath Falls is converting the intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Wall Street into an all-way stop after safety concerns from the public and a traffic study found the intersection met warrants for the change.
Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires Hold Steady as Crews Deepen Mop-Up Near Cave Junction
Firefighters made additional progress overnight on the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires near Cave Junction, pushing mop-up deeper into both fire areas while preparing for another day of extreme heat and critically dry fuels.
UPDATED: East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 15,705 Acres as Mop-Up Expands, Containment Holds at 17%
The East Evans Creek Fire is now mapped at 15,705 acres as firefighters continue expanding mop-up and strengthening containment lines across the incident. Crews have pushed as far as 150 feet into parts of the fire footprint and up to 200 feet around some homes, while triple-digit heat and thunderstorms remain concerns.
Containment Climbs to 17% as Crews Catch New Spot Fires on East Evans Creek Fire
Firefighters caught several new spot fires and breaches of control line Monday as the East Evans Creek Fire entered its 10th day. Despite hot and windy conditions, crews expanded mop-up, strengthened more than 60 miles of control line and increased containment to 17%.
ODHS Seeks Public Help Locating Missing 15-Year-Old From Klamath Falls
The Oregon Department of Human Services is asking for the public’s help locating a 15-year-old who has been missing from Klamath Falls since July 16. Officials say the teen may be in the Klamath Falls or Portland areas and ask anyone who believes they have seen them to contact law enforcement.
Fire Weather Watch Issued as Lightning Threat Builds Across Southern Oregon
A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for much of Southern Oregon as monsoonal moisture increases thunderstorm chances Wednesday. Forecasters say abundant lightning, gusty outflow winds and critically dry fuels could lead to new wildfire starts across the region.
Motorcyclist Killed in Highway 140 Crash Near Eagle Point
A 54-year-old Eagle Point man died Saturday evening after his motorcycle left Highway 140 and struck a guardrail in Jackson County. Witnesses told investigators the motorcycle had been traveling at a high rate of speed shortly before the crash.
Crews Complete Line Around Active Board Mountain Area as East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 15,015 Acres
The East Evans Creek Fire enters its 10th day with firefighters reporting progress around the active Board Mountain area, where crews completed line and reinforced sections challenged by fire Sunday. Control lines held across the main fire overnight, but dry fuels, heat and afternoon winds remain concerns.
Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires Near Cave Junction Fully Lined After Overnight Push
Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires near Cave Junction, completing line and hose around both incidents. The Waldo Fire has been remapped at just over 30 acres, while the Ridge Vista Fire remains at 15 acres as crews shift deeper into mop-up operations.
Man Dies in Diamond Lake Boating Accident During Family Reunion
A family reunion at Diamond Lake turned tragic Saturday when a 71-year-old man fell from a pontoon boat and disappeared beneath the water. Authorities say he pushed his sister away from the path of the moving boat before falling in himself.
East Evans Creek Fire Crosses Lines Again Near Board Mountain
Critical fire weather tested the East Evans Creek Fire again Sunday as flames crossed control lines near Board Mountain and crews battled increased activity southwest of Boswell Mountain. Firefighters contained an eastern slopover and quickly stopped a separate half-acre spot at Canyon Creek.
A Bigger Home for Second Chances
After nearly a century of caring for animals in Southern Oregon, SoHumane has broken ground on a new Medford campus designed to expand shelter capacity, veterinary care, adoption services and community programs while giving animals a healthier environment as they wait for new homes.
Crews Reposition as Winds Threaten East Evans Creek Fire Lines
Firefighters are repositioning resources along the southern edge of the Board Mountain spot fire Sunday as hot, dry and windy conditions threaten containment. Overnight crews made progress after Saturday’s wind-driven activity, while damage assessments identified one long-vacant residence and five outbuildings.
East Evans Creek Fire Pushes Across Lines, New Spot Fire Grows Near Boswell Mountain
Warmer temperatures, lower humidity and gusty winds increased activity on the East Evans Creek Fire Saturday, pushing the Board Mountain spot fire across control lines and creating a new 150-acre spot south of Boswell Mountain. Crews quickly responded with aircraft, dozers and hand crews as upgraded evacuation levels were issued.
Loveless Fire Prompts Level 3 Evacuation Northeast of Sprague River
A new wildfire northeast of Sprague River has prompted evacuation orders and warnings in Klamath County. Early reports placed the Loveless Fire at approximately 75 acres, with heavy spotting reported as crews responded to the developing incident.
Two Shot in Chiloquin, Suspect Arrested on Attempted Murder Charges
Two people were hospitalized after a shooting in Chiloquin Friday afternoon. Investigators later located a vehicle connected to the shooting, and community tips helped lead authorities to a suspect now facing attempted murder and assault charges.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 13,999 Acres, Containment Rises to 8% as Critical Weather Returns
The East Evans Creek Fire reached 13,999 acres Saturday as containment increased to 8%. All control lines held overnight while crews strengthened spot-fire perimeters, installed 50 miles of hose and positioned additional structure engines ahead of hotter, drier and windier conditions.
East Evans Creek Fire Holds at 13,090 Acres as Crews Brace for Critical Weekend Weather
The East Evans Creek Fire remains at 13,090 acres and 5% containment as more than 500 personnel prepare for hotter, drier weekend weather. Strong northwest winds increased activity near Board Mountain Friday evening while crews continued securing spot fires near Canyon Creek and Hull Mountain.