Fire Archives

Redmond-area RV park arson suspect arraigned; judge sets bail at $1 million after learning of 2 prior arson convictions

July 17, 2025 12:03 pm Barney Lerten, Harley Coldiron

A Deschutes County judge on Friday set bail at $1 million for a Redmond-area woman facing arson and other charges, accused of setting her RV on fire,…

Prison inmates from across Oregon brought to Deer Ridge to help ‘defend in place’ efforts from nearby Cram Fire

July 18, 2025 3:16 pm Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — About 70 state prison inmates were brought in from around Oregon to perform field work to help “defend in place” Deer Ridge…

With wildfires, smoke affecting Oregon highways, summer travelers are urged to plan ahead, prepare and stay informed

July 18, 2025 2:06 pm Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfires continue to impact parts of Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek has declared a State of Emergency, effective July 16,…

SUV trailer fire near Deschutes Junction

Man seeking ‘fresh start’ accused of arson, setting SUV on fire north of Bend that spread to nearby trailer

July 18, 2025 12:24 pm Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A resident of a small homeless encampment north of Bend was arrested on arson and other charges Friday, accused of setting a…

‘4,000 to 5,000 calories every day’: How crews stay fueled on the front lines of the Cram Fire

July 17, 2025 10:24 pm Jillian Fortner

ASHWOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) – Battling wildfire takes strength, stamina, and a lot of calories. Wildland firefighters need between 4,000 to 5,000 calories…

Crews contain apparent vehicle fire which broke out off Highway 97 in north Bend near the homeless encampment ‘Dirt World’

July 16, 2025 3:04 pm Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire has contained a fire that broke out at 2:35 PM in north Bend off Highway 97, near the homeless encampment known as…

DEQ issues air quality advisory for Jefferson, Klamath counties due to wildfire smoke; rest of local area also affected

July 16, 2025 12:33 pm Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory for Wednesday for Klamath and Jefferson…

Isabella Warren reports live on KTVZ+ from Cram Fire’s fire camp

July 16, 2025 3:16 pm KTVZ

ASHWOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) — Isabella Warren gave us the latest updates on the fast-growing Cram Fire during a KTVZ+ livestream Wednesday afternoon from…

Highland Fire in Juniper Canyon SE of Prineville now 75% contained as crews continue mop-up efforts

July 16, 2025 1:22 pm Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Highland Fire burning in the Juniper Canyon area southeast of Prineville is now 75% contained and remains at 719…

Highland Fire small plane retardant drop Dennis Potter

Governor Kotek declares state of emergency for the rest of 2025 due to imminent threat of wildfire

July 16, 2025 11:07 am Barney Lerten

Declaration allows responders to use all necessary and appropriate resources of the state to support wildfire response. SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) –…

Wildfire smoke and your health: Best practices to stay safe outdoors and indoors

July 16, 2025 1:21 am Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Where there’s smoke, there’s probably fire! In fact, Central Oregon has one of the most intense wildfire seasons, and it’s not…

Smoky skies across Central Oregon: What you need to know to stay safe

July 15, 2025 11:36 am Claire Elmer

As wildfires continue to burn across Central Oregon, many of you are seeing hazy skies and smoky air. KTVZ News wanted to know why some towns are hit…

Amid hot, dry weather, the Deschutes National Forest is expanding public use fire restrictions to wilderness areas

July 15, 2025 3:59 pm Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to continued hot and dry conditions, as well as increased fire starts, the Deschutes National Forest said Tuesday it will…

Isabella Warren gives us a LIVE update on KTVZ+ from the lines of the fast-growing Cram Fire

July 15, 2025 2:42 pm Barney Lerten

ASHWOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) — The firefight intensified Tuesday as the fast-growing Cram Fire prompted Highway 97’s closure and expanded evacuation alerts…

Containment grows on Crook County’s Highland Fire, evacuation levels reduced to levels 1 and 2

July 12, 2025 5:27 pm Claire Elmer

As of Tuesday morning, containment of the Highland Fire in Crook County is now at 55%. All evacuation levels have been reduced to a level 1 or…

Crook County community dedication helping to support unwavering firefighting efforts in Highland Fire

July 14, 2025 10:05 pm Claire Elmer

Containment is growing on the Highland Fire near Prineville, and so is the gratitude — from firefighters working long hours on the front lines to…

Scooper frefighting plane draws water from Lake Billy Chinook

Vital role: Scooper planes, helicopters draw water from Lake Billy Chinook to help fight the Cram Fire

July 14, 2025 4:48 pm Barney Lerten

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Large retardant planes get much of the focus of wildfire-fighting attention, but the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office pointed…

Willow Fire tops 4,417 acres, now 75% contained; BLM issues area closure, but all evacuation alerts reduced to Level 1

July 13, 2025 11:22 am Barney Lerten, Tracee Tuesday

The Willow Fire has grown to 4,403 acres, burning on Prineville District BLM and private land in southeast Crook County, officials said Friday.…

Oregon Department of Forestry says they’re ‘anticipating the fire season to pick up’ amid red flag warnings

July 11, 2025 11:26 am KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, comments from ODF) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– We’re just a week into July, and already this fire season has been busy. In just…

Redmond Smokejumpers plane at the Redmond Air Base

‘A privilege’: As wildfire season ramps up, the Redmond Smokejumpers are prepped and ready

July 11, 2025 10:14 am Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon is home to one of seven US Forest Service bases in the country—where smokejumpers convene and set out to be…