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.
Fast-Moving Brush Fire Threatens Structures in Klamath Falls
Firefighters stopped a fast-moving brush fire after flames raced uphill through tall grass and threatened several structures along Alisa Lane in Klamath Falls. No buildings were damaged, and the cause remains under investigation.
All Evacuations Canceled as Crews Search East Evans Creek Fire for Hotspots
All evacuation notices and road closures associated with the East Evans Creek Fire have been lifted as firefighters continue searching for hidden heat. The fire remains at 15,580 acres and 66% containment, with infrared-equipped aircraft guiding mop-up and three chippers supporting suppression repair.
Man Convicted in 1977 Klamath Falls Mass Shooting Dies in Custody
Dewitt C. Henry, who was convicted of killing six people outside a Klamath Falls restaurant 1977, died July 25 at Snake River Correctional Institution. Henry, 75, had been in state custody since 1979 and was serving six consecutive life sentences.
Florida Team Takes Command as East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 66% Containment
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 66% as a Florida incident management team assumes command. Firefighters have completed more than 300 feet of mop-up in many areas, while hose and equipment continue coming off secured portions of the 15,580-acre fire.
Medford Man Dies in Highway 26 Semi-Truck Crash Near Sandy
A 62-year-old Medford man died Thursday night after the semi-truck he was driving struck another semi that had stopped in the westbound lane of Highway 26 near Sandy, according to Oregon State Police. The highway was affected for approximately five hours.
Two Bend Children Missing, Believed to Be in Danger (UPDATED)
The Oregon Department of Human Services is asking for help finding Julian Hawes, 10, and Mahina Hawes, 9, who have been missing from Bend since July 23. The children are believed to be in danger and may be in Bend or Redmond.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 54% Containment as Crews Begin Pulling Hose
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 54% as crews push mop-up beyond 200 feet in many areas and begin removing hose and equipment from the western perimeter. The fire remains at 15,580 acres, with a Florida incident management team set to take command Monday.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 46% Containment as Night Operations Shift to Patrol
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 46% as crews continue deep mop-up and prepare to shift overnight operations to patrol. Improved field mapping reduced the official size to 15,580 acres, while seven helicopters remain available and a new incident management team will assume command Monday.
Former Eagle Point School Employee Sentenced to Jail, Ordered to Register as Sex Offender
An Eagle Point woman has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years of supervised probation after being convicted of third-degree sexual abuse and furnishing alcohol to a person under 21. The case began in 2024 and involved a victim who was 17 at the time, prosecutors said.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 38% Containment as Evacuations Ease Again
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 38% as firefighters push deeper into mop-up and evacuation levels ease again. The fire remains at 15,705 acres with minimal smoke visible, while crews begin suppression repair and remove equipment from increasingly secure portions of the incident.
Klamath Falls Pair Arrested After Burglary at Eagle Point Purple Parrot
Two Klamath Falls residents were arrested after an early-morning burglary at the Purple Parrot in Eagle Point. Police say the suspects fled on an electric scooter before officers used a drone, K-9 team and coordinated search to locate them.
Strong Winds, Single-Digit Humidity Raise Weekend Fire Risk
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 Left Unlivable After Afternoon Fire
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 Search Ashland Apartment in Child Exploitation Investigation
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.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 33% Containment as Crews Shift Deeper Into Mop-Up
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.
Gunfire, Armed Robbery Attempt Lead to Ashland Arrest
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.
Gunfire Erupts During Medford Parking Dispute
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.
Klamath Music Festival Marks 10 Years at New Home
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.
No New Growth as Firefighters Make Progress Ahead of Red Flag Weather
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.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 26% Containment as Evacuations Ease
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.