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…
Author: Sarah Prescott
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…
Medford, Ore. — This Saturday, downtown Medford will once again be transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly zone as the city hosts its annual Medford Open Streets event. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents and visitors can enjoy three blocks of West 6th and Main streets, between Ivy and Fir, free from vehicular traffic. The event aims to promote active transportation and stimulate local businesses by temporarily converting the city’s largest public space—the streets—into a welcoming area for walkers, bikers, and community members to connect. In addition to free, secure bicycle parking, attendees can look forward to a variety of…
Douglas County, Ore. — A 29-year-old Oregon man was arrested Saturday near Roseburg after authorities discovered he was transporting a massive quantity of methamphetamine from Southern California into Oregon. Anthony Barrera of Estacada faces multiple federal charges following his arrest at a rest area along Interstate 5. According to court documents, Barrera rented a vehicle and traveled south to California to pick up a large shipment of drugs, intending to distribute them in Oregon. Officers conducting a traffic stop executed a federal search warrant on Barrera’s vehicle and found 270 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of cocaine concealed in…
Grants Pass, Ore. — Three individuals, including two teenagers and one adult, were taken into custody on Thursday, May 22, following an alleged robbery involving a knife. According to the Grants Pass Police Department, officers responded to a report of a robbery on the 1200 block of Rogue River Highway. Upon arrival, they made contact with a 15-year-old boy who reported that he had been robbed by three suspects. The victim told officers that he was selling clothing through Facebook Marketplace when the suspects confronted him. During the encounter, a 14-year-old suspect allegedly held a knife to the victim’s throat…
Medford, Ore. — Southern Oregon is bracing for a challenging wildfire season as hotter and drier conditions are expected to persist through the summer months, officials warn. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon expressed concerns over federal resource shortages that could hamper wildfire response efforts. “Above average temperature during the key months and below average precipitation… I think that’s a wake-up call,” Wyden said, highlighting the heightened risk posed by climate conditions this year. Local fire officials report staffing levels remain consistent with last year’s, but worries persist over reductions in the National Weather Service. Wyden noted that some local meteorologists…
KERBY, Ore. — Firefighters responded swiftly to a grass fire Tuesday afternoon on Holton Creek Road that initially began as an uncontrolled burn but rapidly escalated into a two-alarm blaze. The Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) reported that the fire expanded quickly, prompting calls for mutual aid from multiple agencies, including the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Unit, Rural Metro Fire, and Grants Pass Fire. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding teams, the fire was contained after burning roughly three acres. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the initial burn remains under investigation. Officials remind residents…