Selma, Ore. — Late Tuesday evening, fire crews responded promptly to a small vegetation fire burning in heavy brush at 521 Squaw Mountain Road. The Illinois Valley Fire District was first on the scene, discovering that roughly a tenth of an acre was involved. Thanks to swift action and collaboration with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District, firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the blaze quickly, preventing it from spreading further. At the time the fire was reported, personnel from Rural Metro Fire were actively managing a nearby incident, allowing for rapid coordination and additional support. Officials…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Grants Pass, Ore. — The city of Grants Pass can now enforce overnight camping bans at several city parks following a recent court order modification. Josephine County Judge Sarah E. McGlaughlin signed an order Thursday morning that amended a preliminary injunction related to a lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Oregon (DRO). The original injunction had prevented the city from removing campsites or tents from city property until Grants Pass provided at least 150 designated public camping spaces. In a statement, city officials said, “The parties are engaged in meaningful and substantial conferral with the goal of reaching a mutually agreed…
Medford, OR — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officially declared the start of fire season in southwest Oregon today, beginning at 12:01 a.m. The declaration covers approximately 1.8 million acres of forestlands across Jackson and Josephine counties. According to ODF officials, the current fire danger level is set to “low,” with the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) established at Level I. This follows recent weather trends that have shifted from wet conditions to warmer, drier weather — factors that typically contribute to an increased risk of wildfire. So far this season, the department has reported 12 fires burning a…
Medford, OR – As Oregon’s stunning natural landscapes continue to attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe, state officials are emphasizing the critical importance of preparedness and safety to reduce the number of search and rescue (SAR) incidents. With the peak tourist season fast approaching, adventurers are urged to take precautions that can prevent emergencies and ease the burden on volunteer rescue teams. Governor Tina Kotek has officially declared June as Search and Rescue Awareness Month, a move that acknowledges the vital contributions of Oregon’s SAR personnel and volunteers. The proclamation highlights the lifesaving work these teams perform and encourages…
Medford, OR — In a move hailed as a major step forward for survivors of sexual abuse, the Oregon House passed House Bill 3582 on Thursday, eliminating statutes of limitations for civil actions related to child sex abuse and sexual assault. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and emotional testimonies from lawmakers, including survivors who described the lasting trauma that often delays reporting. Under current Oregon law, survivors of child sexual abuse have until age 40, or within five years of realizing the harm caused by the abuse, to file civil claims against their abusers or institutions that enabled…
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…
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…