MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Wildfire smoke has been hanging over much of Central Oregon this week, but in Jefferson County on Wednesday, the focus shifted to something far more festive: opening day at the Jefferson County Fair. Families filled the fairgrounds in Madras as exhibitors proudly showed the animals they’ve spent months raising and caring
Continue Reading
SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — A sudden and powerful storm swept through parts of Sunriver Wednesday afternoon, toppling trees, blocking roads and briefly trapping vehicles near the Sunriver Airport. According to Chuck Rosenfeld, who identified himself as part of the Sunriver Citizen Patrol, the storm hit around 3 p.m. following a thunderstorm that brought heavy rain
Continue Reading
(Update: adding link to Genasys Protect, video) SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have elevated more areas of the Akawa Butte Fire to Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation as of 4:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 22. New zones have also been added to Level one (Be Ready) as hot
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Redmond woman charged with killing her mother last summer appeared in court Tuesday for a status hearing, where a trial date was set in a case that has seen multiple delays. Jessica Andersch appeared remotely in Deschutes County Circuit Court before Judge Wells Ashby on Tuesday afternoon. Court records show
Continue Reading
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — State officials are urging Oregonians to plan ahead, stay informed and travel prepared as wildfire activity increases across Oregon during the 2026 season. Hazardous driving conditions, severely reduced visibility and worsening air quality are resulting from the fires. The Oregon Department of Transportation, Ore. Department of Emergency Management, Ore. Department of
Continue Reading
Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – There are a number of issues today as far as the weather as it relates to the fire fighting efforts. The smoke being generated by the fires yesterday and overnight restricted the air attacks on some of the fires, more specifically the Akawa Fire near Sisters. That fire grew to nearly
Continue Reading BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Local Alert Weather Team has issued a Local Alert Weather Day today due to dangerous air quality conditions across Central Oregon. Wildfires are producing significant smoke, leading to prolonged periods of unhealthy air quality that could reach hazardous levels at times. Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside,
Continue Reading
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond School District Nutrition Services has temporarily suspended most of its Summer Meals service at public meal sites. The suspension is a direct response to unhealthy air quality conditions in the area. The district implemented the temporary suspension to protect the health and safety of its staff, volunteers, and families. Only
Continue Reading
WHEELER COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Rowe Creek Fire, a complex of 12 separate blazes, continues to burn near Mitchell, straining firefighting resources across Oregon. Close to 600 personnel are battling the fire, which has left significant burn scars near the Painted Hills and reached the Fossil Beds National Monument. Statewide Resource Strain The state
Continue Reading
Here are KTVZ’s Sunrise Birthdays for Wednesday, July 22nd. Happy Birthday! You can see more recent entries and submit an upcoming birthday to air at: https://ktvz.com/share/sunrise-birthdays/.
Continue Reading
Central Oregon (KTVZ) — Smoke from multiple Central Oregon wildfires is raising new questions about how county fair operations may unfold this summer, with the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo set to open Wednesday, the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo starting July 29, and the Crook County Fair beginning August 5. KTVZ News can confirm,
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Jefferson County resident died in an ATV accident on private property while attempting to protect his home from the advancing Brewer Fire. Stacy Chiddix, 58, was operating his personal ATV on steep terrain when he was ejected. The ATV subsequently overturned and pinned him underneath. Friends who were with Mr.
Continue Reading
Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The Local Alert Weather Team has issued a Local Alert Weather Day for Today and Wednesday due to the dangerous air quality issues impacting Central Oregon. The wildfires have been generating significant smoke today with several locations spiking in the very unhealthy range. Bend is generally in the very unhealthy range
Continue Reading
By: Justin AldermanPrineville, Ore. — High Desert Christian Academy has announced it will permanently close at the end of the month, bringing an end to what it claims is more than three decades of education in Prineville. In a Facebook post published late Monday night, July 20th, the academy thanked the community and confirmed that it
Continue Reading
(UPDATE, 7/20/26, 10:22 pm): Akawa Butte Fire has grown to 10,391 acres; 3% contained CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Akawa Butte Fire is continuing to burn in Deschutes and Jefferson counties, with firefighters working to keep it from moving closer to nearby communities. The blaze is about 9 miles northwest of Crooked River
Continue Reading
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A community meeting was held on Monday evening concerning the response to Central Oregon’s wildfires. You can watch the entire meeting above.
Continue Reading
Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The wildfires that began last week as a result of thousands of lightning strikes Wednesday and Thursday morning are continuing to impact the air quality in the region. The fires showed significant growth over the weekend. The herculean efforts of our fire fighters are awesome as a megafire complex and several
Continue Reading SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters have provided an update concerning the Akawa Butte Fire. You can track Fire Alert updates through KTVZ.com and the KTVZ News App.
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – High pressure will continue building over the Pacific Northwest through midweek, bringing hotter temperatures to Central Oregon. Highs will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s today under partly to mostly cloudy skies, with a slight chance for a passing shower. Be prepared for areas of smoke today as multiple
Continue Reading PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters have provided an update concerning the wildfires in Crook County. You can track Fire Alert updates through KTVZ.com and the KTVZ News App.
Continue Reading