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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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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(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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(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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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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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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HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Multiple major wildfires in Harney County are burning across rangeland and timber, sending smoke across eastern Oregon and threatening rural highways, ranches and small communities. Together, the fires have scorched well over 300,000 acres, and incident managers say hot, dry and windy conditions are keeping crews busy on several fronts.
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Multiple wildfires burning near Prineville have merged into a larger fire now being called the Crosswhite West Fire. The Crosswhite, Brewer, Box Springs, and Green Mountain fires are now being managed together as part of the Rowe Creek Complex West Zone. Officials say the combined fire is burning over a quarter-million
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to the severity and international response, Central Oregon’s wildfires have gained worldwide attention. On Tuesday, KTVZ’s Claire Elmer had the opportunity to provide an update on containment efforts in Crook and Wheeler Counties on FOX Weather.
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CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore.(KTVZ) — Crews from Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue responded to a reported vehicle fire Monday evening and worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and ensure the scene was safe. The agency offered a reminder to stay alert while driving: if you notice smoke or flames coming from a vehicle, pull over
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BURNS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Emergency officials are requesting the public avoid the Burns District corrals in Burns, Ore., to ensure firefighting crews can work safely and effectively. More than 200 horses and burros are housed at the corrals, which are currently closed to the public. The corrals and surrounding areas provide nearly 65 acres of
Continue Reading PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — As of Monday, July 27th, firefighters are engaged in a persistent battle against the Brewer, Green Mountain, and Crosswhite West Fires, which are burning near Prineville. Today marks the 13th day of the incident, with crews making progress by halting western progression and maintaining control lines north of the city. Level
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(Update: adding video) PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire crews are battling multiple wildfires across Central Oregon, with the Brewer Fire continuing to burn near Prineville and threatening hundreds of homes. The Brewer, Green Mountain, and Crosswhite fires are burning across a mix of terrain and land ownership, stretching resources across Crook, Jefferson, and Wheeler counties.
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Sisters High School has served as an evacuation site for the Akawa fire for almost a week, providing shelter and resources to approximately 100 people. The Red Cross and Salvation Army are supporting evacuees, with the Red Cross operating five shelters across Central and Eastern Oregon to assist those displaced by wildfires. The Red Cross
Continue Reading BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Friday, July 25, for the Bench and Beachcomb Fires in Jefferson County. This action came in response to a request for assistance with life, safety and structural fire protection. The governor determined that the threat to life, safety and property from the
Continue Reading (Update: adding additional information from Akawa Butte fire official) SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As of Sunday, July 26th: Fire crews are expected to establish full control lines around the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters, Oregon, today. This follows their efforts last night to contain new spot fires through high winds and their preparations for continued
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CENTRAL OREGON, Ore. (KTVZ) — As of Sunday, July 26th: Stage 2 public use fire restrictions are in effect today across all Central Oregon public lands. The Ten Mile Fire, located 11 miles northeast of Madras, is listed at 4,809 acres and 36% contained due to improved mapping. The Jefferson and Wasco County Sheriff’s Offices
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