Update: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has shared new images from the Hidden Forest Fire. Update: KTVZ News viewer David Copeland shared these photos of firefighting aircraft utilizing the Prineville Reservoir to fight the Hidden Forest Fire in Deschutes County. Update: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has just released new images from the wildfire burning
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, if you plan to drive through Central Oregon, plan for continued delays. U.S. Highway 26 remains closed between Prineville and Mitchell as wildfire activity and heavy smoke continue to make travel unsafe. Transportation officials say crews are monitoring conditions around the clock, and will reopen the highway as soon as it’s
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OREGON (KTVZ) — Fire restrictions remain in effect on all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington as wildfire activity continues. BLM urges anyone planning to recreate outdoors to check current fire restrictions, road closures, and air quality before heading out. Smoke and fire conditions can change rapidly. Anyone who starts a wildfire could face fines of up to $100,000, up
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OREGON (KTVZ) — Fire officials are reminding motorists to exercise caution behind the wheel as wildfire danger continues. One small spark can start a wildfire. Small actions such as parking on dry grass, dragging chains, or operating machinery near dry vegetation can create dangerous sparks.
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(Update: adding comments from OSFM, Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue, video) CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — As firefighters are sent across Oregon to battle wildfires, small departments must balance the broader call for help while ensuring they have enough personnel to respond to emergencies at home. Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue shares
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening now, Highway 26 is closed east of Prineville to wildfire operations. Only emergency personnel are allowed through the closure. You’re asked to plan alternate routes, avoid the area, and do not attempt to bypass road closures. Remember to always check tripcheck.com before hitting the road, especially during wildfire season.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A wind-driven wildfire complex in Spokane has forced about 65,000 people to evacuate and destroyed at least 700 homes and buildings, prompting a local question with urgency: could the same kind of fast-moving fire spread happen in Central Oregon? Fire and weather experts say the ingredients for rapid fire growth —
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nearly 65,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Washington state as wildfires cause widespread destruction. The American Red Cross is currently coordinating relief efforts and requesting local support to assist those displaced by the fires. The organization is accepting monetary donations and blood to support ongoing disaster relief operations.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized federal funds yesterday to assist with firefighting costs for the Rowe Creek Complex – West Zone Fire in Crook and Jefferson counties. The decision allows the federal government to pay 75% of eligible expenses for the blaze, which is currently threatening local homes and infrastructure.
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(Update: adding comments from fire official, updates, and video) MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Round Butte Fire is one of the newest of several significant wildfires burning across Central Oregon, but the threat isn’t always obvious from the sky. Even with relatively clear conditions in town, firefighters say the same winds helping push smoke away
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UPDATE: The Oregon State Marine Board has updated their guidance concerning Lake Billy Chinook, below is their updated press release. CORRECTION: Recreational Boaters Urged to Give Way to Aircraft for Wildfire Operations The Oregon State Marine Board, on behalf of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, is asking recreational boaters to giveway to aircraft on all
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond Air Tanker Base has pumped more than 1 million gallons of retardant in the last two weeks, reaching its typical annual volume in just 14 days. Crews at the base are currently supporting firefighting efforts for the Akawa Butte Fire, the Rowe Creek Complex Fire and several other blazes
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CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents of a place to go if they need to evacuate their animals. It says the Pet Evacuation Team is available 24/7 at Sky Hawk Ranch in Redmond. If you are being evacuated, bring your animals directly to Sky Hawk Ranch, located at
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WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A coalition of animal welfare groups and veterinarians has launched the Warm Springs Animal Relief Fund to support animals impacted by the Bench Fire. The campaign aims to raise $15,000 to provide feed, veterinary supplies and recovery resources for livestock and companion animals. The Bench Fire has destroyed an estimated
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(Update: adding comments from Red Cross) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire evacuations continue across Central Oregon, some evacuees say they were quoted sharply higher hotel rates while trying to find a place to stay after being forced out under Level 3 “Go Now” orders. One Central Oregon couple and their pets spent six days
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OREGON (KTVZ) — Oregonians affected by wildfires or poor air quality can now access a dedicated statewide hotline for support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline, reached at 1-833-699-0554, was established to provide immediate access to resources for those navigating the fire season. Gov. Tina Kotek announced the service, which is
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved emergency funding for the Akawa Butte Fire while denying assistance for two other major wildfires in Oregon. The denials for the Rowe Creek Complex and East Evans Creek fires come as the state faces its worst wildfire season on record. State officials noted that both
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OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services has extended the deadline for residents in 10 counties to request replacement SNAP benefits following food losses caused by wildfires and evacuations in July. Households in the designated areas now have until Aug. 14 to report their losses. The extension applies to food bought with Supplemental
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(Update: adding comments from Senator Merkley) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three federal grants are helping Oregon cover wildfire costs, but US Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) says a change in FEMA’s process is leaving other fires without the same help. Across Oregon, more than 1.75 million acres have burned this season, and nearly 5,000 residents are
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Fairgrounds began coordinating the relocation of wildfire evacuees and their livestock Wednesday to prepare for the upcoming Crook County Fair. The fairgrounds is working with the Crook County Emergency Manager and emergency response partners to identify alternative accommodations for those displaced by the fires. The transition aims to
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