Willamette Valley News, Monday 8/10 – West Eugene Fire Damages Businesses as One of Three Fires Along Railroad Tracks on Sunday & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Monday, August 10, 2026

Willamette Valley Weather

Weather conditions can allow even a small spark to quickly become a fast-moving wildfire. Help us keep western Lane County safe by staying vigilant and avoiding activities that could start a fire. One less spark can make the difference.

Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1430921498857533

Be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

A Fire Weather Watch is in place — The forecast is calling for temps in the mid to upper 90s over the next few days. Please be #WildfireAware, know the evacuation levels, sign up for emergency alerts, and have a plan in the event you need to evacuate because of wildfire. FORECAST: www.weather.gov/fire SIGN UP: https://oralert.gov

As a reminder, the following are prohibited: Debris burning — Smoking in forestlands — Use of fireworks — Sky lanterns & target practice with exploding targets

Allowed only before 10 am and after 8 pm: Chainsaw use — Cutting, grinding, welding – Mowing/cutting of dried grass — Off road motorized vehicle use — Any other spark emitting internal combustion engine

It’s already extremely dry. Our ask: prevent sparking a wildfire. Check your tow chains. Don’t mow tall dry grass in the heat of the day Don’t park on tall dry grass

We’ve got prevention tips posted to our website to share with your friends and family. LEARN MORE: https://www.oregon.gov/…/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx

Two Alarm West Eugene Fire Damages Businesses

EUGENE. August 9, 2026. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a second alarm fire that destroyed a vacant home and damaged several businesses in West Eugene Sunday evening.

This was the third fire along the railroad tracks on Sunday

Just before 6:30 p.m., firefighters were called to a report of a possible house fire in the area of Highway 99 and Barger Drive. Responding crews could see a large column of smoke from the area and arrived to find a fully involved house fire on the east side of the railroad tracks, behind Emerald Pool and Patio in the 1800 block of Highway 99.

Firefighters were met with a large volume of fire that had spread from the property into overgrown blackberries and other dry vegetation between the railroad tracks and businesses along Highway 99. Due to challenging access and the advancing fire, incident commanders called for a second alarm, bringing additional crews to the scene. Two additional engine companies and support staff were also requested.

The fire completely destroyed a vacant home on the east side of the railroad tracks that appeared to be used for storage and caused varying degrees of damage to three businesses along Highway 99.

Emerald Pool and Patio sustained fire damage to the rear and roof of the building, as well as exterior displays and vegetation. A nearby storage building also sustained exterior damage. Firefighters were able to prevent fire from making it to the interior of the buildings. A neighboring car dealership sustained fire damage to the exterior of its office building, while a small engine repair business to the south sustained damage to grass, old lawnmowers and other items outside the business.

No injuries were reported.

This was the third fire in the Eugene area along railroad tracks within a 12-hour period. One near Franklin and Walnut around 7:30 AM and another in Lane Fire Authority’s jurisdiction on Hwy 99 N of Beltline.

In all, eight engine companies, two truck companies, one ambulance, support staff and additional command level personnel responded to the incident. 

Highway 99 was shut down for a period of time to allow firefighters to access additional water supply. The cause of the fire is under investigation by ESF Deputy Fire Marshals. 

After Alerts, Missing Woman Found Deceased

Update: Lee Betty Boren was located deceased near the 1600 block of Taney St.

The Lane County Medical Examiner is continuing to investigate the cause of manner of her death. Family has been notified and there will be no additional public updates to respect their privacy.

The search that took place Sunday included Patrol officers, the K9 Team, Metro Drone Team, and Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, who responded and assisted with the search.

Can you help us find this missing woman? Lee Betty Boren was last seen leaving the 1200 block of Jacobs Drive in an unknown direction. She was wearing a pinkish-blue blouse and may have her red-brown Chihuahua with her.Lee has memory issues, and Eugene Police is actively searching for her. Patrol officers, the K9 Team, Metro Drone Team, and Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue have been activated to assist in the search.

Street Crimes Unit Seizes Over $214,000 in Cash and Several Pounds of Drugs

On Aug. 5, 2026, Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit officers concluded a year-and-a-half-long narcotics investigation by serving a search warrant at an apartment on Garden Avenue in Eugene. The investigation centered on 35-year-old Eugene resident Matthew David Gaston and 46-year-old Eugene resident Patrick John Cox.

Early that afternoon, officers observed Gaston leaving the apartment on foot. They contacted him in the parking lot of a nearby business, where he briefly resisted before being taken into custody. Officers recovered a handgun from his waistband, $30,100 concealed in his underwear, and an additional $1,314 from his wallet.

Officers obtained a warrant to search Gaston’s backpack and a fanny pack. During a search of his belongings, officers found and seized approximately three pounds of powdered fentanyl, 27 grams of methamphetamine, $3,660 from the fanny pack, and $178,995 in bulk cash wrapped in plastic and tape. In total, Gaston possessed more than $214,000 in cash at the time of his arrest.

Officers also served a search warrant at the apartment shared by Gaston and Cox. Inside, investigators seized three additional handguns, more than $3,000 in cash, approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, 4 grams of methamphetamine, and a stolen motorized scooter.

A typical street-level quantity of fentanyl is approximately one-tenth of a gram and commonly sells for $10 to $15. Based on the quantity seized, investigators estimate the fentanyl has a street value of approximately $140,000 to $215,000.

Pending charges against Cox include: Possession of Fentanyl Manufacture of Fentanyl Delivery of Fentanyl – Commercial Drug Offense Possession of Methamphetamine – Commercial Drug Offense Pending charges against Gaston include: Felon in Possession of a FirearmPossession of FentanylManufacture of Fentanyl Delivery of Fentanyl – Commercial Drug OffensePossession of Methamphetamine – Commercial Drug Offense

Thank You to Everyone who participated in 5th Annual Michael Bryson Foundation 5k Shuffle Saturday

The 5K was held at Alton Baker Park on Aug 8, 2026 —- This 5K is not only a time to remember Michael, but also a way to help create awareness about mental health, addiction, and missing persons. The proceeds from this go to a scholarship in Michael’s name, helping families with missing loved ones, and search efforts.

This is the 5th annual 5K, and it takes place around the time Michael went missing, it will be 5 years on the 5th.

Michael’s case is still considered active. Anyone with information can contact the Lane County Sheriff’s department at 541-682-4150. — Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1180812175619844

Body Discovered Inside Storm Drain in a Eugene Neighborhood

According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 5:48am on August 6 after receiving a report that someone had seen what appeared to be part of a foot inside a storm drain.

When deputies arrived, they confirmed a body was inside the drain. The investigation is on going, however we do know this:

A 50-year-old Eugene man known locally as “Bo” was found dead upside down inside a storm drain on Thursday morning, August 6, 2026. A passerby walking a dog noticed what appeared to be part of a foot sticking out from the drain grate and reported it to authoritie.

Discovery and Scene Details

• Location: The body was located at the intersection of Lantana Avenue and Dahlia Lane in the Santa Clara neighborhood of north Eugene.
• The Drain: The opening is a standard curb-side storm grate measuring roughly 3 feet wide by 20 inches long, opening into a pipe under a foot in diameter with shallow standing water.
• Recovery: Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Eugene-Springfield Fire personnel responded to the scene and extracted the deceased man by his feet.

Current Status of the Investigation

• Official Inquiry: The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and the local medical examiner are actively handling the death investigation.
• Cause of Death: Authorities have not yet determined the manner or cause of death. It remains unclear if foul play was involved.
• Community Appeal: Investigators and loved ones are asking anyone with nearby residential surveillance footage or information from Wednesday night to contact the sheriff’s office.

Amtrak trains are running normally between Eugene and Portland. However, a major service disruption north of Portland is severely impacting anyone trying to travel from Eugene into Washington state.

Current Service Breakdown

• Eugene to Portland Segment: Operating on normal schedules. Trains do not need to pass the disruption zone, so the regional Amtrak Cascades service is fully functioning on this specific stretch.
• North of Portland (To Seattle/Washington): Heavily disrupted. Due to a severe warehouse fire near Portland Union Station that has created building collapse hazards, the tracks heading north are temporarily blocked.
• The Bus Workaround: If you book a trip from Eugene to Seattle, your train will terminate at Portland Union Station, where you must exit the train and transfer to an Amtrak-provided substitute charter bus to complete the rest of your trip into Washington.

Affected Train Numbers – According to the latest Amtrak Cascades Service Update:

• Trains 504 and 508 run normally from Eugene to Portland, but turn into bus rides from Portland to Seattle.
• Trains 503 and 507 run as buses through Washington, but switch back to normal passenger trains once they reach Portland to finish the route south to Eugene.

If you need to change your travel plans due to the northern track closures, you can call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to cancel for a full refund or change your dates at no extra cost. — https://www.amtrak.com/stations/eug

A woman from Philomath was recently discovered deceased in a secluded area of Harney County, located near the northeast corner of Lake County.

This discovery was made after a helicopter crew conducting a wildlife survey noticed her abandoned vehicle, which bore a distress signal, as reported by the Oregon State Police and Philomath Police Chief Dave Gurski.

 Gabrielle Denis Mahoney, aged 46, had reportedly been missing for over a week prior to her discovery. On July 16, employees from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife alerted the Oregon State Police after they observed a black Kia Soul with “SOS” written on its roof during a survey flight over Rawhide Canyon, a remote high-desert region.

No individuals were found in proximity to the vehicle. The license plate of the car was traced back to an address in Philomath, prompting OSP to request a welfare check from Philomath Police the following morning, although officers found no one at the residence.

Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

A Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with actual and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and receipt of child sexual abuse material.

Dylan Ford, 29, made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

According to court documents, Ford allegedly exchanged sexually explicit chats, images, and videos with multiple children under the age of 16. He used Telegram, an encrypted chat platform, and disappearing photo apps to begin conversations that would develop into sexual exchanges with the children. As part of their investigation, state and federal investigators obtained a search warrant and searched Ford’s cell phone. Ford’s phone contained numerous conversations with self-described minors in which he enticed the children into sending him custom child sexual abuse material, including instructing specific sexual acts involving the use of household items. Investigators also located a video depicting a distressed, crying minor carrying out various sexual acts. In some of the chats, Ford sent minors a colleague’s social media profile photo in an apparent effort to shield his identity.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office immediately upon becoming aware of the possibility that Ford was engaging in this activity. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office then contacted the FBI to collaborate on the investigation.

Ford was arrested on July 28, 2026, by the FBI. This case was investigated by the FBI in coordination with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will McLaren.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

City of Eugene Gets Inquiry to Build Data Center at Former Hynix Campus

An unidentified company that has Eugene’s former Hynix campus under contract has asked the city to confirm that a data center and several other uses are permitted under the property’s zoning.

To oppose the proposed data center project at the former Hynix campus, you can contact Eugene city leadership and the planning department through several direct channels. Contact Elected Officials and LeadershipYou can voice your concerns directly to the city council, mayor, and city manager.

• Email: Send your comments to mayorcouncilandcitymanager@eugene-or.gov.
• Phone: Call the City Manager’s office at 541-682-5010.
• Mail: Address physical letters to 500 East 4th Ave, Suite 302, Eugene, OR 97401.
• Rule: Include your full name, home address, or ward number so your comments are officially recorded and distributed. Anonymous comments are not shared with the council.

Contact the Planning and Development DepartmentBecause the current inquiry is undergoing a zone verification review, you can submit inquiries or comments regarding the E-1 zoning requirements to the department handling the request.

• Phone: Call the department directly at 541-682-5086.
• In Person: Visit the Permit Information Center at the Atrium Building, 99 W. 10th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401 (Open for walk-ins Monday–Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

Attend a City Council Meeting

• Public Comment: You can sign up to speak during the public comment portion of regular Eugene City Council Meetings.
• Schedules: Review the upcoming schedule, agendas, and virtual attendance links via the city’s Webcasts and Meeting Materials portal.

FAQs: Understanding City review of allowed uses of the property at 1830 Willow Creek

On July 14, 2026, a request for a Zone Verification was submitted to the City of Eugene that could include “Data Center Use, Manufacturing, Research and Development, Advanced Manufacturing, Warehousing, Office Uses, and customary accessory and support uses associated with those uses” on the former Hyundai/Hynix semiconductor campus located at 1830 Willow Creek Circle in west Eugene. READ MORE: (SOURCE)

Willamalane’s Concerts in the Park Series at Island Park

Featuring live performances from local bands on Thursday and Friday evenings from July 30 through Aug. 14.

The concert series is better than ever this year, featuring favorite local bands, art vendors, and food trucks on Thursday and Friday nights at Island Park.

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM — $5 or free with two food donations

Enjoy live music under the trees at Island Park with a variety of genres and a new band each night. Bring along blankets or chairs to enjoy the music. You can purchase beer, wine, and concessions, or bring your own picnic dinner, fillable water bottle, and sealed non-alcoholic beverages.

• Gates and concessions open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 6 p.m. The show includes two sets of live music with a 20-minute intermission.
• Admission is $5 per night or free when you bring two non-perishable food cans to donate. Donations support the food pantry at Willamalane Adult Activity Center.

For more information about Concerts in the Park, including the full concert lineup, event rules, and more, click here.

Concerts are free with a food donation July 30 – August 14.

Admission is $5, or free when you bring two non-perishable food items to donate. Learn more, like what you can and can’t bring, how to use the shuttle, and see the whole concert lineup at willamalane.org/concerts

Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS) is with St. Paul Catholic Church Eugene Oregon and Emerald People’s Utility District.  · Back to School Drive – July 15 to August 15!

Help CCS support over 200 kids enrolled in our programs — most of whom will start the school year without the supplies they need. Together, we can change that!From July 15 to August 15, we’re collecting NEW school supplies to give these students a strong start. Most Needed Items (New Only):

Notebooks & paper

Watercolors & markers

Water bottles

Backpacks

Corded headphones

Lunch bags… and moreYour donation can make a direct impact in a child’s life.

Food for Lane County  Summer Food Program for Kids 

In partnership with PeaceHealth, which donated $50,000 to the program, and Yogi, a tea company that donated $5,000, the program will distribute free lunches at dozens of sites in Lane County from June 22 to Aug. 21.

Click on Lunch locations below:

Creswell Eugene Dexter Junction City Oakridge Springfield Thurston Triangle Lake Veneta

According to Carolyn Stein, the executive director of Food for Lane County, the PeaceHealth donation and Yogi donation helped minimize a funding gap of over $100,000. Even so, Food for Lane County has to pay out of pocket to fill the remaining gap.  

According to the Oregon Department of Education, about 75% of Lane County children qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. 

Last year, Stein said the free-food program served about 50,000 meals to kids throughout the summer, and they expect that number to increase by an additional 10,000 this summer. 

“Food for Lane County’s mission is to engage our community to create access to food, and we do that with many partnerships with organizations and businesses across the community,” Stein said. “We went to PeaceHealth because they have a shared value to make sure that no child in our community goes hungry and they stepped up in a big way to help us meet the need in our community.”

The lunches will be served on a first-come basis, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Kids, 18 years old or younger, can receive meals, regardless of income. 

Burrito Brigade Buys Building to Create Community Food Hub

Burrito Brigade has bought the old Center for Appropriate Transport building at 455 West 1st Ave. in the Whiteaker neighborhood to create a new community food hub.

The organization is asking the community to help support building renovation goals. Burrito Brigade needs $300,000 more to fully complete a commercial kitchen installation, food storage infrastructure, ADA-compliant upgrades and critical improvements needed.

Jennifer Denson says “This project has always been community driven. Since Waste To Taste’s start in 2020 we have not looked back. We just keep rescuing more food and growing more organized and it’s incredible to watch the impact and difference we make when we work together,”

Hundreds of volunteer hours weekly are dedicated to rescuing more than half a million pounds of food annually from grocery stores, small businesses, institutions, large food generators and local farms. This community-powered food rescue serves fresh local vegetables and fruit alongside diet and culturally specific products.

The no-barrier access free grocery store, known as Waste-to-Taste, provides households the ability to supplement other systems of support that often have eligibility requirements. Waste-to-Taste serves more than 10,000 households annually.

Rescued food is also redirected through other sustainable distribution channels. Food scraps and spoiled food are diverted to feed farm animals like chickens, goats and pigs, sanctuary animals at a local emu ranch and wolf rescue, and even a mealworm farm.

According to Burrito Brigade, the community connection and creativity around food in the kitchen includes partners in many mutual aid food projects facilitating hot meals, food preservation, community-led cooking classes, food micro-entrepreneurs and youth workforce training. The new community food hub will open its doors to the public in 2027. You can DONATE here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-help-us-build-a-food-hub

Skinner Butte Park summit parking lot is now closed to motorized vehicles due to fire danger. The closure will remain in effect until October.

City of Eugene’s Parks and Open Space, in cooperation with Eugene Springfield Fire, have closed the Skinner Butte parking lot and summit road. It will be closed until sometime in October.

There has been a history of illegal firework activity and brush fires, particularly during the summer season.

Closing this area to vehicles helps reduce that risk. The summit will remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists (no e-motorcycles) by numerous trails and the paved road that leads to the summit.

Lane County will participate by setting up donation barrels for staff to donate at Lane County owned properties.

“Food for Lane County is already seeing high numbers of pantry visitors at a time when our food supply has been limited due to federal program cuts. We want all Lane County residents to have the food and resources they need to thrive, and we’re very concerned about the welfare of our community if SNAP benefits aren’t available.” said Food for Lane County Director of Development and Communications, Rebecca Sprinson.

For individuals and families in need of food, please visit the FFLC food finder, at:

Food Finder

Those interested in donating can do so by visiting: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to=give/donate or by calling 541-343-2822.

$18.95 can help feed 120 people.

Every weekend, the volunteer crew at Burrito Brigade rolls hundreds of delicious vegan burritos to help close the hunger gap here in Eugene. Each box of tortillas — just $18.95 — helps feed 120 neighbors.

Could you spare $18.95 to help? Even better — could you make it a monthly donation to keep those burritos rolling all year long?

Every dollar makes a difference in these times of need. Thank you for being part of the Brigade. Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation…/we-rise-by-lifting-others Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.

White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714)

White Bird Clinic

This year marks 60 years of community health centers transforming care across the U.S. At White Bird Clinic, we’re proud to be part of this legacy – bringing whole-person care to our community’s most vulnerable neighbors for more than 50 years! From medical and dental services to harm reduction and crisis response, we’re here to meet people where they are.Learn more about community health at the link below: https://www.nachc.org/about-nachc/history-of-chc/

Whole Community News Report on CAHOOTS:

Since December of 2023, Eugene lost the University District hospital and the Hourglass Crisis Center, and as of last week, CAHOOTS. These were no-barrier treatment access points for our most vulnerable neighbors to receive care when experiencing a mental health crisis. READ MORE: https://wholecommunity.news/2025/04/20/public-comments-ask-city-not-to-lose-cahoots-too/

Contact for Services — Phone: CAHOOTS is dispatched within the Springfield urban growth boundary through the non-emergency number, 541-726-3714.

Starting in the new year, White Bird Dental Clinic will offer more walk-in clinic times. Currently, we offer walk-in clinics at 1415 Pearl St. every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. In January, we will also add every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. Find more information at whitebirdclinic.org/dental

EWEB Emergency Water Stations

The final emergency water station has been officially installed in Eugene as part of the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s disaster preparedness plan.

This is where people can access water in case of earthquakes, wildfires, or other events that could disrupt or limit access to the city’s water system.

Other locations are the Eugene Science Center, Howard Elementary School, Prairie Mountain School, Amazon Park-YMCA, the Sheldon Fire Station, and the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds.

All seven locations across the city of Eugene draw their water from underground wells. The intent is to provide individuals up to two gallons of water a day during an emergency. MORE INFO at EWEB: https://www.eweb.org/projects/emergency-water-stations

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

8/10/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILDFIRE UPDATE

Oregon is facing historic wildfire activity today, August 10, 2026, with fires having scorched more than 2.2 million acres statewide. There are currently 32 active wildfires across the state, prompting extensive evacuations, road closures, and widespread air quality advisories. Over 10,000 personnel are deployed to combat the blazes.

Major Active Wildfires & Status

• Grasshopper Fire: The state’s most active blaze has grown to 50,000 acres near Mount Hood. Severe red flag conditions have caused evacuations for areas near Mt. Hood Meadows and a “Go Now” order for Billy Bob Snow Park.
• Hagen Fire: Located near the Washington border, this fire spans 44,500 acres and exhibits extreme fire behavior. A 39-mile stretch of Oregon Highway 204 has been closed. Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations are in place for parts of western Union County and eastern Umatilla County.
• Wright Springs Fire: Burning near Chiloquin, this blaze exploded to 8,000 acres. Tragically, a firefighter was killed while battling this incident. Evacuations remain active.
• Woodrat Fire: Burning near Jacksonville in southern Oregon, this fire has grown to 272 acres and triggered evacuations.
• Rowe Creek Complex (Henry, Coyote, & Shingle Fires): Fire activity is currently burning at low-to-moderate intensity, though dry weather continues to threaten containment lines. The only remaining Level 3 “Go Now” order is for the Shingle Fire. U.S. Highway 26 remains closed from milepost 29.2 to 66.
• Bench & Round Butte Fires: Progress has been made here, allowing evacuation orders to be lifted for Warm Springs and the areas southeast of Bend.

Critical Highway Closures

• Oregon Highway 204: Closed completely from mileposts 0 to 39 near the Washington border due to the Hagen Fire.
• U.S. Highway 26: Closed east of Prineville (mileposts 29.2 to 66).
• Oregon Highway 35: Closed near Mount Hood due to the Grasshopper Fire.

Air Quality & Environmental Impact

• Air Quality Advisories: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued smoke advisories for a large portion of the state, including Baker, Crook, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Umatilla, Union, and Wasco counties. Regions nearest the fires are experiencing some of the worst air quality in the world.
• Forest Closures: Extreme conditions have prompted the ongoing closure of the Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests to the public, alongside major portions of the Ochoco National Forest.
• Park Openings: In positive news, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has successfully reopened as local fire growth slowed down.

For real-time evacuation details and mapping, you can monitor local updates through county emergency portals or track current smoke levels on the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

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Dozer Operator Killed While Fighting Wrights Spring Fire

5:30PM Friday- The Wrights Spring Fire has claimed the life of Jason Ensign, a 47-year-old man from Klamath Falls, Oregon, who was operating a D-6 dozer during firefighting operations for Green Diamond Timber Resource Company.

Jason was working with crews in the area of Yahwee Plateau, where firefighters and equipment operators were building dozer lines and improving access ahead of the advancing fire. During those operations, the fire experienced unexpected and rapid growth associated with a weather event, resulting in extreme fire behavior. The rapidly changing conditions cut Jason’s dozer off from his escape route to a safety zone.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., crews became aware that a dozer was missing and began searching the area. After fire conditions diminished, crews went to Jason’s last known location, which had been identified through cell phone information and witness statements. Sheriff’s Office Personnel along with ODF ultimately located the extensively damaged Caterpillar D-6 dozer late that night, with Jason deceased inside the enclosed cab.

This is a heartbreaking loss. Behind every helmet, every engine and every piece of heavy equipment is a person who went to work expecting to come home. Jason was doing dangerous work in an effort to help protect others and support the firefighting operation.Our thoughts are with Jason’s family, friends, coworkers and everyone who worked alongside him during this incident.

We also ask that people remember the firefighters, equipment operators, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, pilots and other emergency personnel who continue to work in extremely challenging conditions on the Wrights Spring Fire. Please keep Jason’s family and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts.

Wildfire conditions can change rapidly. Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay out of active fire areas and give emergency personnel the space they need to do their jobs safely. ~Sheriff Shane L. Mitchell Klamath County Sheriff’s Office

ODF Southwest Oregon District  · 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙏𝙀 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘼𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀

Overnight crews pushed containment on the Fork State Park Fire to 40%, while completing mop-up 75 feet into the fire. All lines held overnight, putting day shift resources in a great position to continue securing the fire.

Updated mapping places the fire at 11 acres. Today’s resources include three 20-person hand crews, three engines, two water tenders and one falling module. Crews will continue in-depth mop-up operations as they systematically grid the burned area, checking logs, stumps, vegetation and other fuels that can hold heat. As firefighters work farther into the interior, they will cool and extinguish heat, increasing the distance between any remaining heat and the fire’s edge.

Temperatures today are expected to be cooler than the last few days but will remain warm. Aircraft are available as needed to support firefighters on the ground. The official cause of the Fork State Park Fire remains under investigation. Evacuation levels remain in place. Please follow the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office for the latest evacuation information.

Firefighters will continue working along Redwood Highway today. Drivers should slow down, use caution and give crews plenty of room to work.The next update is planned for this evening unless conditions significantly change.

𝙒𝙊𝙊𝘿𝙍𝘼𝙏 𝙈𝙊𝙐𝙉𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙋𝙈 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Woodrat Mountain Fire reaches 50% containment as incident transitions to local team RUCH, Ore. (August 9, 2026)

Firefighters made significant progress on the Woodrat Mountain Fire Sunday, increasing containment to 50% and extending mop-up to 200 feet from the fire’s perimeter. The fire remains mapped at 282 acres.The dedicated snagging operation has also been completed across the incident. Hazardous trees presented a significant challenge on this fire and required specialized falling resources to safely secure portions of the perimeter. While individual hazard trees may still be identified as work continues, the large-scale snagging operation for the fire has been completed.

Tonight’s resources include seven 20-person hand crews, one 10-person hand crew, three Type 6 engines and four water tenders. Firefighters will continue gridding for remaining heat and working deeper into the burned area overnight. With continued progress on the Woodrat Mountain Fire, resources are also available to support new initial attack incidents, with some resources assisting with night suppression efforts on the Forks State Park Fire.

With the incident continuing to stabilize and its complexity decreasing, a local Type 4 organization will assume command of the Woodrat Mountain Fire at 6 a.m. Monday. The transition reflects the progress made on the incident, while allowing firefighters to continue the detailed mop-up and suppression work necessary to further secure the fire.

All evacuation notifications associated with the Woodrat Mountain Fire were lifted Sunday. Residents can continue checking readyjacksonco.com for current emergency information.A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area.

Flying a drone near a wildfire is illegal and can force firefighting aircraft to leave the area.The official cause of the Woodrat Mountain Fire remains under active investigation. The next update will be provided Monday evening following shift change, unless significant information becomes available sooner. For more information, including current fire regulations, visit our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest, or our website, www.swofire.com.

Oregon Health Authority  · Emotional responses like fear, sadness, anger, or fatigue are natural and OK in the aftermath of a disaster.

However, if these feelings become prolonged, overwhelming, or begin to interfere with daily functioning, it may be a sign that someone needs additional mental health support.

It’s important to recognize when a normal reaction shifts into something more concerning.Being aware of this distinction can help individuals and communities respond with compassion and connect people to the help they need. If you need help, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.

Oregon state agencies remind everyone to be informed and prepared 

— With the National Weather Service issuing a fire weather watchs  across large portions of north‑central, northeast and southeast Oregon, the state’s public safety services, natural resource agencies, and tourism office want to remind residents and visitors to practice wildfire prevention, prepare their home and a go-bag for evacuation, and know where to go for real-time alerts and information. 

According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s predictive services, each year the Pacific Northwest is at elevated risk of significant fires from now until October.

With fire crews responding to new fire starts every day, Oregonians and our visitors need to be prepared for wildfires, help prevent future ones, and be aware of up-to-date conditions as they travel across the state.

How can people help prevent wildfires?

The Oregon Department of Forestry is urging the public to actively practice wildfire prevention as the state continues to put out new fires every day. Additional human-caused fires on the landscape will draw the firefighting efforts away from the lightning-caused fires and put extra strain on ground and aviation resources, which are already spread thin. YOU can help prevent wildfires by:

• Checking and following your local fire regulations. The majority of the state is either in high or extreme fire danger right now, meaning even the smallest of sparks could start the next large wildfire.
• Debris burning may be prohibited where you live.
  • Check local restrictions or contact your local ODF office.
  • Return to check on your burn site if you burned earlier in the year.
• Make sure your car has been recently serviced to avoid faulty parts throwing sparks.
• Don’t drag tow chains.
• Avoid parking vehicles on tall, dry grass.
• Recreate responsibly. Where campfires are allowed, make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it by drowning it with water, stirring it with a shovel and repeating that process until it is cold to the touch. If there is heat coming off it, there are still embers that could reignite.

Take Simple Steps to Protect Your Home from Wildfire

The Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds Oregonians that summer is not the safest time to tackle large landscaping or defensible space projects. Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of starting a fire from using tools or equipment. There are small, safe steps you can take now to reduce wildfire risk around your home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to plan ahead and do light cleanup tasks that protect your property without increasing fire danger.

Easy tasks to reduce risk in the first five feet around your home:

• Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof, gutters, and under decks.
• Trim plants and bushes that are touching your home or growing under roof eaves. Give trees and shrubs space from each other and from structures.
• Remove dead plants and wood mulch. Use nonflammable materials like rocks or gravel near your home. Avoid bark mulch or dry grasses right next to buildings.
• Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least five feet away from your home.
• Cover attic vents, soffit vents, and spaces under decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.

Avoid using power tools or equipment that could spark a fire, especially during the heat of the day. Summer is a good time to plan defensible space projects, so you’re ready to work safely once wildfire season ends.

For more tips or help with defensible space, visit www.oregondefensiblespace.org or https://preventwildfires.oregon.gov.

How can I prepare myself in case I need to evacuate?

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urges everyone to prepare for wildfires and other emergencies by knowing evacuation levels, staying informed, having a plan, and having a go-kit ready.

Evacuation Levels

• Oregon follows a three-level evacuation notification system, each structured around safety threat level.
• Oregonians should become familiar with “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” evacuation levels to make informed decisions when receiving evacuation notices.
• OEM urges people to evacuate whenever they feel unsafe, conditions can change rapidly; individuals should always make the best decision for their safety.
• Following evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials state it is safe.

Stay Informed

• Stay informed, sign up to receive evacuation at, ORAlert.gov remember to update information if need be.
• Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff’s office, or tribal police and follow them on social media.
• Check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are turned on.
• Build redundancy into how you can access alerts. Have a personal C.E plan for what you will do if your cell phone stops working. A good place to start is a hand-cranked NOAA radio.
• If you use a third-party app for alerts and situational awareness and notice discrepancy information, default to the information provided by your local emergency management office.

Have a Plan

• Do you know what to do during an evacuation? This evacuation checklist explains what to do before, during and after an evacuation.
• Establish a communication plan with a list of important contacts and a safe place for loved ones to meet if they are separated during an emergency.
• Identify multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school and plan for transportation needs.
• People with disabilities should consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for evacuation, such as special equipment, transportation, and service animals. Then plan extra time, when possible, this may mean treating a level 2 notice like a level 3 notice.
• Have an evacuation plan for pets, make a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate, and plan for transportation and sheltering of large animals such as horses and other livestock.

Make a Go-Kit

• Assemble an emergency kit of essential supplies that can be grabbed quickly.
• Pack an easy-to-carry backpack or bag for each household member with health and safety items such as food, water, medication, flashlights, phone chargers, clothing, and important documents. Visit American Red Cross to learn more.
• Find more information and resources at Wildfire.Oregon.gov.

Recreate Responsibly

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to campfire restrictions. OPRD coordinates with local fire officials throughout the summer and bans open flames in high-risk areas around the state until conditions improve. Please check park webpages or the current fire restrictions list before your next visit. Thank you for helping to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Additionally, many waterways in eastern Oregon are currently being used by firefighting aircraft. Stay clear of the center of major waterways. Recreational boats can block aircraft from accessing the water, which means they will not be able to retrieve water to help put out nearby wildfires.

Occasionally, OPRD will need to evacuate a state park. Evacuations occur at level 2 or earlier depending on fire conditions and the time required to get in and out of the park. Please follow park ranger instructions to pack gear and evacuate. Any park closure information will be posted on the park web page and OPRD social media.

How do I know if I should change my vacation plans? 

Oregon is a large state, and while wildfires can disrupt travel in some regions, those impacts are often localized and can change rapidly as conditions improve or deteriorate. Because of this, it’s important to check current alerts at the resources below to see whether your destination is affected. If you’re looking for general guidance about traveling during wildfire season, read Travel Oregon’s Wildfire Travel FAQ.

Before You Go:

• Check road conditions at TripCheck.com or by calling 511. 
• Review and follow all local fire restrictions and closures. 
• Be aware of air quality conditions that could impact health and visibility. 
• View real-time hazard updates, maps, and fire information through OEM’s Wildfire Dashboard. 
• Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov and ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your mobile device. 

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation offers insurance tips for Oregonians affected by wildfires

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has tips for homeowners and renters who have evacuated or been affected by wildfires, smoke, or ash damage.

“We know this is a hard time for many Oregonians as wildfires affect communities across the state,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “We want people to have these tips so they know what their insurance covers and what steps to take if they are affected by a wildfire.”

• If you were evacuated, save your receipts. Your homeowners policy may pay for expenses such as lodging, food, and even pet boarding due to a mandatory evacuation. Be sure to check with your insurance company or agent to confirm your specific coverage. Coverage is typically available for fire, smoke, and ash damage to your home and personal property.
• Additional living expenses (ALE) are typically subject to your deductible, so before you file a claim, be sure it makes sense to do so. It is important to note that a claim can be counted against you for underwriting purposes, even if the insurance company does not make a payment. Most homeowners and renters’ insurance policies help pay for extra expenses such as ALE if you are unable to live in your home. Every company handles these expenses differently. Check with your company or agent for specifics.
• If you have not evacuated and it is safe to do so, make a quick home inventory list by taking photos or video of each room in your home. Pay close attention to what is on the walls and in drawers and closets. Don’t forget storage areas such as the attic and garage. You can also check your insurance company’s website for an app or checklist that will help. Creating that list will help you after a fire or disaster. If your personal belongings are damaged, the insurance company will request a list of items that are damaged or destroyed. Take some time to work on your home inventory list now. Look through your photos and videos to help recall personal items. Be sure to look for smaller items, such as jewelry. To the best of your ability, write down the age, original cost, and replacement cost of each item.
• Ask about your auto coverage, too. You need comprehensive coverage on your auto policy to cover fire, smoke, and ash damage, no matter where your vehicle is located at the time of loss.

Following these tips will help save you money, time, and stress during a wildfire and its aftermath. For more information on preparing for a wildfire, visit DFR’s wildfire page.

If you still have questions or concerns, DFR’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call the team at 888-877-4894 (toll-free), email them at .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov, or visit dfr.oregon.gov.

### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Governor Kotek presses feds to get Oregon farmers, ranchers same urgent wildfire relief as red states

‘Oregon asks for the Utah clock,’ Gov. Tina Kotek wrote in a letter for immediate and robust aid to Oregon farmers and ranchers hit by wildfires

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is urging federal officials to help Oregon farmers and ranchers respond to, and rebound from, wildfires at the same scale and speed those officials delivered in Republican-controlled states hit by natural disasters this year.

In a letter requesting aid that Kotek sent Thursday to Brooke Rollins, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Doug Burgum, head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Kotek wrote: “Oregon asks for the Utah clock.”

Immediately following early July fires that broke Utah’s 10-year records, USDA officials made available to ranchers and farmers in the state the full suite of federal loan, reimbursement and grant programs for losses and rebuilding, as well as expedited permits and fee waivers for livestock that needed federal land to graze on.

Kotek has asked for the same as more than 80 fires, including the four largest wildfires in the nation at present, burn across more than 1 million Oregon acres. That’s three times the amount that burned all of last year, and early in a wildfire season that still has up to three more months to go and two of the hottest and driest to come.

Kotek sent her letter just one day after the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved firefighting assistance grants for three Oregon fires but denied assistance that Kotek requested for two others. The grants are meant to help cover the majority of a state’s costs fighting specific fires that threaten to become a major disaster.

Kotek’s reminders in her request to Rollins and Burgum that they promised and delivered aid this year in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters in Nebraska, Texas and Utah reflect concerns that the agency under President Donald Trump is selectively approving aid based on the political makeup of the state’s leaders.

A federal lawyer earlier this month admitted the administration withheld federal grants to states based on whether voters backed Trump or former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, as well as whether the state had two Democratic senators. And a recent Politico analysis found Trump in his second term has approved less than 25% of requests for disaster aid from blue states, compared to nearly 90% approval for red state requests.

Kotek in her letter requested a wildfire disaster designation for 14 counties, which would allow farmers and ranchers access to emergency loan and disaster relief programs. She also requested fence replacement funds for hundreds of miles lost to fires and temporary federal-land grazing permits and fee waivers for displaced livestock.

She asked Rollins and Burgum to ensure their agencies collaborate on aid with state officials and with the tribes in Oregon, and requested a written commitment from Rollins that the USDA’s new plans to reorganize its regional U.S. Forest Service offices will not interrupt any wildfire recovery work. Kotek asked that USDA appoint one contact for Oregon fire recovery to coordinate interagency work, “so the state works one door rather than six.”

Kotek wrote that the state, and its farmers and ranchers, have held up their side of the bargain, investing in post-fire recovery from major blazes during the last several years, as well as prevention, mitigation and response planning.

Oregon’s farmers and ranchers “will rebuild again,” she wrote. “What they ask of their government is not sympathy; it is speed.” (SOURCE)

Oregon agency issues emergency order to pause insurance cancellations due to wildfires

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued Wildfire Emergency Order and bulletin for people affected by the state’s growing wildfire situation.

This order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas. The order:

• Suspends cancellations and nonrenewals
• Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas
• Extends all deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other communication related to claims
• Take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims

The order applies to all insurance companies transacting property and casualty insurance in Oregon. It provides temporary protections to policyholders in affected areas, including those in ZIP codes subject to wildfire evacuation notices as provided in the order. The emergency order follows Gov. Tina Kotek’s state of emergency declaration on June 16 due to the imminent threat of wildfires. Since that declaration, Gov. Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for 11 fires.

“Last week, I met with fire response teams and community members in Sisters currently challenged by the Akawa Butte Fire,” Governor Kotek said. “I could not be more proud of the way Oregon communities are supporting each other during this time, but the last thing anyone needs to worry about in this moment is losing their homeowners insurance. I’m taking immediate action with this directive to ensure that families and communities across the state that are or will be responding to the catastrophic effects of wildfires this summer are provided with stability and certainty during this ongoing wildfire state of emergency.”

The order protects consumers in ZIP codes under evacuation notices who may be required to leave their homes, businesses, or both, and may be unable to access their property, records, mail, internet, financial information, or other resources. Evacuation may also inhibit an insured’s ability to communicate with their insurer, make a timely premium payment, report a claim, document a loss, or perform other duties required under insurance contract terms.

Providing these temporary measures extends grace periods for premium payments and postpones cancellations and nonrenewals. They also provide relief from reporting and other required communication related to claims submission and processing for insureds, and they give relief from other duties of insureds that may be burdensome. These measures will help ensure that Oregonians do not lose insurance coverage because an evacuation notice or order was complied with.

“We issued this order to make sure evacuees and other Oregonians affected by these wildfires are able to access the insurance resources they need, especially while they are displaced,” Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen said. “We appreciate all the work our state’s insurance representatives are doing to help their customers right now, and we encourage everyone to be patient and work together throughout the recovery process.”

If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@oregon.gov .

Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information.

### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Statewide hotline available for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke

People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-699-0554 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The statewide hotline is available to people experiencing any wildfire-related impact, including those who:

• Lost a home or property
• Evacuated and have ongoing needs
• Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
• Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
• Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire

“During this difficult wildfire season, Oregonians impacted by fires deserve immediate and reliable access to the help they need,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “That’s why we’ve established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline – so that no Oregonian has to navigate this wildfire season alone or wonder where to turn to for help.”

The hotline is staffed by 211info. If a call is not answered, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call within one business day.

This hotline does not provide emergency evacuation assistance or help people locate immediate shelter. People who are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating should call 911. People looking for information about shelters or other immediate resources can call 2-1-1. For current 211info operating hours, visit 211info.org.

People can also enter their contact information and describe their wildfire-related needs using the Oregon Wildfire Assistance web form. An ODHS staff member will review the information and follow up with them.

“This wildfire season is already affecting a growing number of Oregon Tribes and communities,” said Ed Flick, Director, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “Wildfires can affect people in many ways, even when their homes have not burned. We want people to know there is one place they can call to share what they are experiencing and learn what resources may be available.”

In previous years the hotline has been used to connect people who lost homes in disasters with recovery support. This year, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expanding it to people experiencing a broader range of wildfire impacts.

ODHS has informally coordinated individual assistance following Oregon disasters since 2020. This year, Governor Tina Kotek directed ODHS to be ready to formally activate individual assistance when needed as the state prepares to establish a formal program in 2027 under House Bill 4121.

211info and ODHS will work with local communities to connect people with existing programs and local resources. If those resources are not enough to meet the level of need, ODHS will work with state leaders to identify additional support and funding options.

The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or eligibility for a particular program. Staff will listen to each caller’s experience, document their needs and help identify available resources and next steps.

Hotline information

• Call: 1-833-699-0554
• Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Missed calls: Leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day
• Shelter and other immediate resource questions: call 211
• Emergencies or emergency evacuation help: call 911

Oregon officials warn of fundraising, recovery scams amid ongoing wildfire season 

Oregonians should exercise significant caution to avoid potential scams when they seek contractors for help to rebuild their homes after a wildfire or support an online fundraising campaign for those who have been affected by the fires, according to state emergency officials.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management in a press release urged Oregonians to make donations through secure websites and research a contractor’s history before paying for debris removal or home repairs. People should also consider using credit cards instead of cash to ensure transactions are documented, be mindful of door-to-door schemes and verify government workers by requesting their identification, the agency said. 

“When disasters strike, Oregonians come together to support neighbors and communities,” the news release reads. “Unfortunately, scammers may try to exploit that generosity by creating fake fundraising campaigns or misrepresenting their intentions. Fraud attempts may come via phone calls, mail, email, text messages, or even in‑person visits.”

Emergency department officials referred to the state Department of Justice’s Charitable Activities website, where Oregonians can verify the authenticity of a nonprofit or professional fundraising firm. The Oregon Department of Justice also operates a scam alert system that state officials encourage people to use. Although it has yet to put out an alert related to the ongoing wildfires, the agency has previously used the alerts to warn about scams related to food stamp card readers, gold bars, fake Oregon attorneys and phone number transfers. 

People who believe a fundraising campaign or donation request is fraudulent can reach out to the Oregon Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1‑877‑877‑9392 or go to OregonConsumer.gov.

Here are some other tips and resources state officials have offered:

• Call 211 or visit 211info.org to review trusted organizations currently involved in wildfire response, such as the Oregon Community Foundation, Wildland Firefighter Foundation and United Way Pacific Northwest Disaster Recovery Fund. 
• Never share your Social Security number or financial data with groups you have not verified and review your credit report for any new, unfamiliar accounts. 
• Verify a contractor’s identity through state licensing boards such as the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. The agency has a public search system for verifying licenses. (SOURCE)

Eight Local Suspects Arrested for 71 Felony Counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse by Joint Child Exploitation Task Force

JCSO Case 26-3876 — JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested eight suspects on August 5th, on a total of 71 encouraging child sexual abuse felony charges. The cases are not connected. The arrest sweep required investigative efforts throughout Jackson County including Ashland, Medford, Talent, White City, and Central Point.  

The first arrest was around 6:30 AM when Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies pulled over a suspect near his residence in the 1500 block of Clear Springs Drive in Medford. SOCET arrested Eric Richard Rand, 58, of Medford, on three felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and 11 counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

The task force then located a suspect at 6:40 AM at his residence on Taylor Avenue in Talent. The task force arrested Charles Harvey McMillan, 33, of Talent, for 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

Just before 8:00 AM, a Medford Police Department (MPD) officer located the next suspect sleeping in his car at Holmes Park in Medford. The suspect, Jermaine “JJ” Owens, 53, of Medford, was arrested on charges of first-degree online sexual corruption of a child, second-degree online sexual corruption of a child, second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and luring a minor.

Around 8:04 AM, the task force located and arrested Joel Vincente Leal, 21, at his apartment in the 1000 block of Spring Street in Medford. Leal is charged with eight felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse and two counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

The next arrest was minutes later when SOCET investigators located Robert Paul Phillips, 74, at his residence in the 300 block of West Gregory Road in rural Central Point. Phillips is charged with 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

At 8:20 AM, the task force located and arrested another suspect at an apartment complex in the 600 block of Northwood Drive in Medford. The suspect, Nathan Chet Wilson, 25, of Medford, is charged with 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. During the arrest, his father Tracy Lynn Wilson, 58, attempted to intervene and was charged with interfering with a peace officer.  

The final arrest for the sweep came when investigators contacted Cannon Garrett Green, 31, of White City, at a business in the 200 block of Holly Street in Medford. Green is charged with nine felony counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

One suspect was arrested out of state by Island County Sheriff’s Office in Washington. The suspect, Jeremy Paul Maeder, 32, of Talent, will be extradited back to Oregon to face seven charges of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

Generally, the investigations began when SOCET received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led to subpoenas, followed by search warrants of the respective residences. Investigators seized digital devices during the searches and applied for additional warrants to examine the devices. Once the additional search warrants were signed, the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) forensically examined the devices for further evidence of child exploitation. At that point SOCET took each case through a Grand Jury hearing and the courts issued warrants for each arrest.

Many local and federal law enforcement agencies assisted SOCET with today’s arrests. These agencies included JCSO, ODOJ, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, Oregon State Police, MPD, Ashland Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department, Talent Police Department, and SOHTCTF.

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, MPD, ODOJ ICAC, and HSI, as well as prosecutors from our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, and MPD.

Tax credit auction offers taxpayers chance to save on their tax bill and benefit Oregon Film and Video Office

Are you looking for a way to both save money on your taxes and support the production of movies and TV shows in Oregon? The Oregon Department of Revenue and the Oregon Film and Video Office may have just what you need.

Revenue and Oregon Film will be offering tax credit certificates worth $500 at auction where taxpayers can get them at a discount.

A total of 42,400 income tax credit certificates worth $500 each will be auctioned off August 10-14. The auction proceeds will benefit the Oregon Production Investment Fund.

The auction allows taxpayers to bid on the $500 certificates at a discount. When tax time comes, each certificate is worth $500 toward a taxpayer’s tax bill even though the taxpayer potentially paid less than that for the certificate. Taxpayers can bid as little as $450 per tax credit certificate, possibly saving up to $50 on their tax bill for every credit purchased.

The online auction will begin on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. PDT and will end on Friday, August 14 at 5 p.m. PDT.

To find out more information, go to the Department of Revenue website.

Award-Winning Capital City Retro Fest Returns to Salem Aug. 14-16

Three-night, all-ages music festival returns to Riverfront Park following Oregon Festivals & Events Association Music Festival of the Year honor.

— After earning the Oregon Festivals & Events Association’s Music Festival of the Year award following its inaugural season, Capital City Retro Fest returns to the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater Aug. 14-16 for three nights of live music, food and family-friendly entertainment.

The festival features nine tribute bands celebrating the music of artists including the Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, Tom Petty, Alanis Morissette, Duran Duran, U2, Hall & Oates and the Doobie Brothers.

Presented by Harefest, LLC, the festival offers an affordable outdoor concert experience in the scenic setting of Salem’s Riverfront Park, bringing together music fans of all ages for a weekend celebrating some of the most recognizable songs in rock history.

Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy local food vendors, alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and over, misting tents, free water refill stations, family-friendly activities, and the festival’s interactive photo stage, where fans can grab an instrument and capture their own rock star moment.

“There’s something special about hearing thousands of people sing along to songs they’ve loved for decades,” said Jason Fellman, co-founder of Harefest, LLC. “Capital City Retro Fest brings generations together through music that’s stood the test of time, all in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Oregon.”

The festival was created to provide an accessible, high-quality live music experience in downtown Salem while contributing to the city’s growing lineup of summer events. Organizers expect attendees from throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond to gather at Riverfront Park for the second annual celebration.

Festival gates open Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m. with music beginning at 7:00 p.m. Sunday’s gates open at 4:00 p.m. with music beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now. Single-day and three-day passes are available, and children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

For tickets and complete festival information, visit CapCityRetro.com.  

About Harefest, LLC — Harefest, LLC produces live music festivals and entertainment experiences throughout the Pacific Northwest, including HAREFEST: The Mother of All Tribute Festivals, Capital City Retro Fest, Legends Reloaded, 90’s Flannel Fest, and Seattle Retro Fest. The company is dedicated to creating memorable live music experiences that bring communities together through the music they love.

L. L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock State Parks will host OMSI Star Parties this summer

— L.L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock State Parks will celebrate the night sky with free stargazing parties in July, August and September.

The parks are partnering with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers to host an OMSI Star Party 2026, which includes a presentation at dusk and stargazing from 9 to 11 p.m. Telescopes will be provided by volunteers, and visitors are welcome to bring their own. Depending on the weather, stargazers will search out stars, the moon, and planets.

“We love helping people experience the park in a different way. After dark, everything feels calmer, quieter, and a little more magical,” shared Park Ranger Jeremy Williams at L. L. Stub Stewart State Park.

These events are free. Parking in the day-use areas requires a $10 parking permit per vehicle or you can use an annual parking pass if you have one.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water. Bug repellent is always a good idea. Please use red flashlights to avoid interfering with the dark sky viewing. You can also cover your flashlight or smartphone with red electrical tape.

Star maps will be provided along with recommended astronomy apps that visitors can load on their phones if interested.

Visitors should arrive early to familiarize themselves with the area and park only in designated spaces. Overnight camping is not permitted in day-use areas, though campground reservations are available at stateparks.oregon.gov.

On the scheduled day for OMSI Star Parties, visitors should visit the OMSI website for possible weather-related cancellations. The long-range forecast looks promising for excellent viewing.

“Whether you come to Rooster Rock to count Perseids or simply to spend a peaceful evening under the stars, the meteor shower is a wonderful excuse to slow down, look up, and experience the Gorge in a whole new light”, said Park Ranger Elika Paki at Rooster Rock. “And if you lose track of how many shooting stars you’ve seen, don’t worry, that just means you’re doing it right.”

All events begin at dusk. We recommend arriving early to accommodate parking. Parks will close at 11:45 p.m.

Perseid Meteor Shower Watch | Wednesday, August 12

• L. L. Stub Stewart State Park
• Rooster Rock State Park

Equinox Celebration | Saturday, September 12

• L. L. Stub Stewart State Park

You can find additional details about the event, parking logistics, whether pets are allowed, and how to request accessibility accommodations on the L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and Rooster Rock State Park event pages, and the OMSI event page.

Oregon State Parks often hosts stargazing events across the state. More opportunities can be found on Oregon State Parks’ event page.

Public invited to comment on plan to possibly triple logging in eastern Oregon national forests

The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed revisions to the Blue Mountain Forest Plan would allow more logging and taking older trees in the name of wildfire prevention

Officials at the U.S. Forest Service are proposing new management plans for eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains that include potentially tripling the amount of logging across 5.5 million acres in the next decade.

The Forest Service published a draft of proposed changes to the 35-year-old Blue Mountain Forest Plan last week. It would allow more logging, mining and grazing across four national forests spread across eastern Oregon, as well as parts of southeast Washington: the Malheur, Ochoco, Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests.

The public has until Sept. 30 to submit comments on the 350-page draft proposal.Submit comments on the revised Blue Mountain Forest Plan here.

The draft plan describes increases in logging and animal grazing as important to local economies and to preventing wildfire.

It predicts everything from habitat conservation to forest carbon storage would improve over the long term if more logging is allowed because strategically logging and grazing parts of the forest would prevent wildfire, which officials characterize as the biggest threat to habitat and forest loss.

Environmental advocates disagree with the framing.

The Blue Mountains encompass Oregon’s largest protected wilderness areas. Conservation groups have expressed concern and outrage over the draft management plan, which they say could exacerbate area drought and water quality issues, wildfire risks and impact habitat for elk, wolverine, wolves, moose, owls and salmon.

“This plan seeks to open up and pillage one of the wildest places left in the U.S.,” Lauren Anderson, a climate forests manager at the nonprofit Oregon Wild, said in a statement. “The Trump administration is already taking a hatchet to protections for water, wildlife and the public’s voice. This plan is that philosophy in action, putting at risk the very values that make the Blue Mountains special.”

Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emerita at Oregon State University who has studied extensively the potential forest carbon storage in Oregon forests, found that protected wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains contain the second highest proportion of above-ground carbon stocks in all of Oregon’s protected wilderness areas.

Nick Smith, a spokesperson for the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing the timber industry, said in a statement that the group is still reviewing the proposed updates but that change is overdue.

“These national forests face some of the highest wildfire, insect and disease risks in the West. At the same time, the region is steadily losing the sawmills, logging contractors and the skilled workforce needed to carry out active forest management and provide markets for the material that needs to come out of the woods,” he said.

The draft Blue Mountain Management Plan proposal also includes rescinding a 32-year-old rule called the Eastside Screens that prohibits logging trees that are 21 inches in diameter or larger on six eastern Oregon and Washington national forests. Forest Service officials attempted to rescind the rule during the first Trump administration, but conservation groups sued and it was blocked by a federal judge.

Forest Service officials have argued that some younger trees that grow fast should be able to be removed even if they are more than 21 inches in diameter, because they are crowding out other tree species that take longer to grow but are important to the forest ecosystems.

The proposal also assumes Congress will soon rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Rule, which prohibits road construction, logging and mining on roughly 60 million acres of public land, including about 2 million acres of forests in Oregon. That alone would increase the amount of land classified as open for logging in the Blue Mountains by 17%, according to the draft.

Most of the increased logging would take place in the Malheur National Forest, followed by the Wallowa-Whitman and then Umatilla national forests. (SOURCE)

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

Fauna was grieving the recent death of her brother, Dallas, when she set off from Eugene in June of 2020 heading to Grants Pass on what her family believes was both a healing trip and a mission to deliver gifts, silver coins inherited from Dallas, to a few friends.

But somewhere between motel check-ins and checkouts, something went terribly wrong. Her Jeep was found months later. She was never seen again. http://bit.ly/4l63Dle

We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate.

Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.” https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162

We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a huge reward for information that brings Fauna home.

Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing. 

Tipline- 541-359-5638

Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com

FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

The Junction City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating a missing and possibly endangered person.

62-year-old Wade Felton Lloyd, of Junction City, was reported missing on November 20, 2025.  Mr. Lloyd was last seen on November 16^th in the area of Birch Street and 2^nd Avenue in Junction City. 

Mr. Lloyd normally stays close to the Junction City area, has close ties to his family, and his only transportation is an older motorized bicycle, which is also missing.

Mr. Lloyd is a slender white male, standing 6 feet tall with brown hair and hazel eyes.  Mr. Lloyd is without his cell phone, wallet, and his medications.  

The Junction City Police have exhausted all leads as to his whereabouts and is hoping that the community might recognize him or recall where they last saw Mr. Lloyd.   If you have information regarding Mr. Lloyd or have seen him on or after November 16^th, 2025, please call the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.

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