Strong winds and extremely low humidity will create critical fire weather conditions across parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California Friday and Saturday. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph as humidity falls into the single digits in some areas.

Two Ashland homes were left unlivable after a highly visible structure fire broke out Wednesday afternoon near Walker Avenue and Ashland Street. Everyone inside escaped safely, including a dog, as firefighters quickly contained the blaze.

Investigators served a search warrant at an Ashland apartment Wednesday after authorities say an unidentified suspect sent more than 2,000 child sexual abuse material images to an undercover investigator. Digital devices were seized as investigators work to identify the suspect.

Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 33% after crews held established lines through another round of strong winds. The fire remains at 15,705 acres with no overnight growth as firefighters work toward a massive 2,300-acre mop-up goal and some resources begin transitioning to suppression repair.

An Ashland man was arrested Wednesday following an attempted armed robbery investigation that began with reports of two men fighting in a Clover Lane parking lot. Police recovered two handguns, including one fitted with a homemade suppressor, and said a shot struck the victim’s van.

A man was arrested Tuesday after Medford police say a parking dispute escalated into threats and gunfire near a Stevens Street business. Multiple rounds were reportedly fired, but no one was struck. Officers later located the suspect vehicle on Campus Drive and made an arrest.

The Klamath Music Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend with a new home at Watershed Row, a two-day format and a lineup led by Beastie Boys DJ Mix Master Mike. Saturday’s all-ages main event brings live music, food and a first look at one of downtown Klamath Falls’ newest gathering spaces.

The East Evans Creek Fire held at 15,705 acres overnight with no new growth reported as containment remains at 26%. Crews are pushing mop-up as far as 150 feet into portions of the fire, while a Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning and wind gusts up to 45 mph could test firelines Wednesday.

Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire climbed to 26% Tuesday as firefighters continued deep mop-up and evacuation levels were reduced around the incident. All evacuation notices have been lifted in Douglas County, while some resources are beginning to move to other fires as conditions improve.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.