KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Early Monday morning, three train cars derailed at the Anderson and Altamont rail yard in Klamath Falls, causing significant disruption in the area. According to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when the remote engine of a BNSF train overturned onto its side. The second train car also derailed and overturned, while the third car derailed but remained upright. Officials confirmed that neither of the tank cars involved was breached during the derailment. However, a small amount of diesel and hydraulic fluid leaked from the engine. Cleanup and inspection crews were…
Author: Sarah Prescott
MEDFORD, Ore. — As summer temperatures begin to climb and moisture levels decrease, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has announced the implementation of Low Fire Danger precautions across all five of its Ranger Districts, effective June 1. Fire suppression teams are preparing for a potential rise in wildfire activity amid the seasonal conditions. Officials emphasized that the majority of wildfires in the region are caused by human actions, underscoring the need for responsible behavior in forest areas. “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires is more than just a motto,” said A.J. Panks, Fire Prevention Specialist with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National…
Medford, Oregon — A stabbing attack at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter in Salem on Sunday night left a dozen men injured, including two shelter staff members, according to police reports. Authorities say a man armed with an eight-inch knife entered the shelter’s lobby around 7:15 p.m. and began stabbing multiple people. Several others were injured as they tried to intervene. After leaving the building, the suspect continued the assault on individuals sitting outside the shelter before police apprehended him across the street. The Salem Police Department identified the suspect as 42-year-old Tony Williams. Officers arrested Williams shortly after…
ASHLAND, Ore. — A grass fire near Eagle Mill Road in Ashland has been successfully contained, city officials reported on Tuesday. Fire crews from Jackson County Fire District #5, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and local police departments responded promptly to the blaze, which burned approximately half an acre. Officials confirmed that cleanup efforts are currently underway and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. As a precaution, drivers are being advised to avoid the north end of Oak Street and Eagle Mill Road while crews work to fully secure the area. City authorities continue to monitor the…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — The city of Grants Pass has received the green light to enforce overnight camping bans at several of its city parks after a Josephine County judge modified a key court order related to a lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Oregon (DRO). On Thursday morning, Judge Sarah E. McGlaughlin signed an order adjusting the preliminary injunction that had previously prevented the city from removing tents or campsites from public property. The original injunction required Grants Pass to provide 150 designated spaces for public camping before enforcing any removals. Following the modification, Grants Pass is now permitted to…
Medford, OR — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officially declared the start of fire season today at 12:01 a.m., affecting approximately 1.8 million acres of forestland across Jackson and Josephine counties. The initial fire danger level is set to “low,” with the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) beginning at Level I. Recent weather patterns in the region have shifted from wet conditions to warmer, drier weather, contributing to an increase in fire activity. So far, ODF reports 12 fires have ignited, burning a total of 22 acres. With the onset of fire season, the department has imposed several restrictions…
Medford, Ore. — An interagency task force served a search warrant Thursday at a residence on the 3000 block of Edgewood Drive in Medford following an investigation into the distribution of child sexual abuse images. The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) acted after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which led to subpoenas and the subsequent search warrant being issued for the property. The investigation uncovered evidence indicating that photos depicting child sexual abuse had been uploaded from the address. The operation involved collaboration between SOCET, the Medford Police Department (MPD), the Southern…
Medford, OR — Governor Tina Kotek formally requested President Donald Trump on Friday to declare a federal disaster in response to the widespread flooding and landslides that have devastated parts of southern Oregon earlier this spring. The request targets Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties, aiming to secure critical federal funding for recovery efforts. Between March and April, southern Oregon experienced extreme weather conditions, including rapid snowmelt combined with record rainfall that caused rivers to overflow. The resulting floods triggered landslides that destroyed homes, businesses, bridges, and vital utility infrastructure. In light of the damage, Governor Kotek issued a state…
SISKIYOU COUNTY, Ore. — Authorities have downgraded evacuation alerts for residents affected by a recent vegetation fire, as the threat to structures diminishes. CAL FIRE reported that no structures are currently threatened by the fire, bringing some relief to local communities. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office announced that zone SIS-5120A has been lowered from an Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Warning, while zone SIS-5117A has been downgraded from an Evacuation Warning back to normal status. Earlier, the sheriff’s office issued evacuation orders and warnings to ensure public safety as the fire spread. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and…
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — Authorities are investigating a deadly crash in a remote section of the Umpqua National Forest near Tyee that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reported that the victims, identified as Anthony and Mandy Forbes, were found inside their vehicle off a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) road in a steep, winding part of the forest. The vehicle was discovered by a hunter scouting for bear season. Preliminary evidence indicates that neither occupant was wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Investigators also suspect that alcohol may have contributed…