LYONS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The four-year effort by the Oregon Department of Forestry to reforest the Santiam State Forest after the 2020 wildfires hit an important milestone this month when the last of more than 2.3 million trees were planted. “This was a huge, challenging, and long-term project for ODF,” said John Walter, ODF’s State
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WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., on Tuesday applauded the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee for advancing his bipartisan National Prescribed Fire Act to support prescribed burns during the colder and wetter months as an essential, science-based strategy proven to save lives and property. “Today’s vote takes us much closer toward my goal of
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The Deschutes National Forest on Monday reduced the temporary emergency fire closure area on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District for the Bachelor Complex, which burned over 15,000 acres this summer.
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A Heart of Oregon Corps youth crew helped to reduce wildfire danger in a high-risk area – a crucial step, as made clear this summer there when the 5,200 acre Elk Lane Fire moved swiftly toward Madras and threatened area homes.
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By Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Western wildfire survivors are calling on Congress to stop playing political football with a bill that would relieve them of federal income taxes on recovery settlements and lawyers fees. To press their point, they’ve sponsored billboards this month in Idaho and Oregon that directly appeal
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(Update: Adding video, comments from coalition, sheriff’s office) LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ)— Despite still being six months from Oregon’s next wildfire season, the Newberry Regional Partnership and government agencies have banded together to reduce wildfire risk in La Pine. “We can’t let a day go by that we’re not working on this and trying to
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – As wildfire increasingly impacts communities across the state, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is working with communities to improve their resilience through newly awarded grant funds. The OSFM awarded $3 million to 40 communities across the state to create defensible space and other wildfire risk reduction projects. Earlier this year, local fire
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters across the Deschutes National Forest plan to begin pile burning as conditions are favorable, starting this week, officials said Tuesday. Firefighters select pile burning units for ignition based on moisture levels, forecasted weather and conditions predicted to move smoke away from communities where possible. Firefighters primarily plan to start with
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Ochoco National Forest said Monday it has reduced the fire area closure in the Paulina Ranger District that was established due to this summer’s Paulina Complex of wildfires. It said, “This reduction reflects improved conditions and allows for increased access to popular recreation areas while prioritizing safety for the public
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La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Incoming favorable weather, including the possibility of snow, is allowing fuels crews with the Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management to begin burning piles in the La Pine area as part of their 2024-2025 fall/winter prescribed burning program. Beginning Thursday, crews will start burning 192 acres of machine piles
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — After a record-breaking year, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, marking the end of the 2024 Oregon fire season declaration, ODF reported Monday. With over 1.9 million acres burned across the state, firefighters and resources experienced extreme strain. “This season proved that wildfire in Oregon is not
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — At 8 a.m. on Monday, Redmond Fire & Rescue will reopen outdoor burning. With the recent rains and decrease in high temperatures, the risk for fire spread has decreased to safe levels. Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind anyone who is conducting outdoor burning of the regulations for the areas
Continue ReadingBEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Outdoor debris burning will open at sunrise next Monday for areas outside the City of Bend within the boundaries of Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2. Debris burning is not allowed throughout the year within the city limits of Bend, as per city ordinance, officials reminded Thursday. Here’s the rest
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Jefferson County one of six specified in request, backed by entire congressional delegation SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek sent a letter to President Joe Biden this week, requesting a federal major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Act on behalf of the State of Oregon. The request follows one of the
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will officially reduce the fire danger to LOW and end the 2024 fire season Friday at 12:01 a.m., for lands under their protection and management. The end of fire season is a result of recent wetting rains and an overall cooling trend that
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the temperatures cool and with the potential for additional rainfall in the coming week, open burning within the Black Butte Ranch, Cloverdale and Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Districts is set to open at daylight on Monday, October 28, the agencies announced Wednesday. As they informed residents earlier this month, the Sisters-Camp
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CRESCENT, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest on Wednesday further reduced the temporary emergency fire closure area on the Crescent Ranger District for the Red Fire near Crescent Lake, which remains 3,060 acres and is 30% contained. Access to Forest Service Road 60 around Crescent Lake has reopened, including all recreation residences. A temporary
Continue Reading PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes and Ochoco national forests and Crooked River National Grassland are accepting applications for seasonal firefighting positions for the 2025 fire season. The hiring window opens on Thursday, October 24 and closes on Wednesday, November 6. Applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov. Available positions have tentative start dates ranging from
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SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to successful firefighting efforts and full containment, the Willamette National Forest has terminated an emergency closure order for the Bingham Fire, which was reported Sept. 30 on the Detroit Ranger District. The Bingham Fire, located in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness east of Marion Forks, is approximately 199 acres and 100%
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The Deschutes National Forest on Friday further reduced the temporary emergency fire closure area on the Crescent Ranger District for the 3,060-acre Red Fire due to decreased fire activity and moderating weather conditions, including nearly a half-inch of rain and snow in the area.
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