Local News Archives

Willamette National Forest to implement fire restrictions, including Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson wilderness areas

July 17, 2025 10:35 am Barney Lerten

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KTVZ) — As hot, dry temperatures continue, the Willamette National Forest will implement fire restrictions starting Friday,…

$10 million state funding boost advances CORE3, Redmond’s regional disaster response, training hub

July 16, 2025 9:55 am Jillian Fortner

The Oregon Legislature has approved $10 million to help advance the long-planned CORE3 training and response center in…

Red Cross evacuation shelter in Madras empty for a second day as Cram Fire evacuations continue to expand

July 16, 2025 9:16 pm Triton Notary

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ)– Despite the size of the Cram fire the Red Cross tells KTVZ news no one has used their shelter in Madras for the last 2 days.…

Show Us Your Garden: La Pine flowers, a stream and a pond, and an old fashioned hand pump water feature highlight this week

July 16, 2025 8:11 pm John Carroll

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This week, our gardens highlight several different ways you can express yourself through your garden. A garden filled with a…

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…

Pets and smoke: How to keep your furry friend safe with poor air quality

July 16, 2025 11:20 am Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, smoke and air quality concerns are top of mind for many Central Oregonians. It’s important to remember to limit…

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…

High Desert Food & Farm Alliance receives grant funding for three programs

July 15, 2025 6:11 pm Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance was recently selected through a competitive grant process to receive funding from Travel…

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…

United Way of Central Oregon distributes nearly $59,000 in food and shelter grants to 10 organizations

July 15, 2025 5:23 pm Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — United Way of Central Oregon and the Local Emergency Food & Shelter Board have awarded $58,800 in funds to 10…

Wahlburgers will be making its Oregon debut at this year’s Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo

July 15, 2025 4:33 pm Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Wahlburgers is coming to the 105th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo this summer, July 30 through Aug. 3. This marks…

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…

Quiet week at the pumps as summer travel hits high gear; Bend’s average gas price drops a nickel a gallon

July 15, 2025 12:52 pm Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video) PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s the heart of the summer driving season, but gas prices are showing little movement, AAA…

Bend area has experienced 14 recent power outages due to Pacific Power’s ‘enhanced safety settings’ to curb wildfire risk

July 15, 2025 11:07 am Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pacific Power’s Bend service area has experienced 14 outages since early May due to the use of “enhanced safety settings,” which…

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…

Problem Solvers: La Pine-area man accused of striking dog with shovel pleads for other 2 dogs’ return; plea entry delayed

July 14, 2025 5:47 pm Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man accused of striking his dog repeatedly with a shovel this spring was back in court Monday, still representing…