CONDON, Ore. (KTVZ) — Yesterday, on Saturday, strong winds during a Red Flag Warning caused significant growth on the Little Buck Fire, part of the Hay Creek Complex, pushing the fire south across Oregon Highway 218 near Clarno. Strong afternoon winds yesterday drove a six-mile flame front on the Little Buck Fire toward Highway 218.
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(Update: adding information from officials provided on July 26th) PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters are working to contain the Brewer, Green Mountain, and Crosswhite West fires today as a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Strong winds and unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to amplify fire behavior. The Brewer
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HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Harney County Sheriff’s Office notified the public via social media that Crane High School has a half acre available for livestock evacuations due to wildfire. Water needs to be checked. The school is located at 43277 Crane Venator Ln, Crane, Oregon 97732. Harney County Sheriff can be reached at 541-573-6156.
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School District in Prineville is providing overnight accommodations at Crook County Middle School and Crook County High School for wildfire personnel. This initiative offers a place for firefighters assigned to fires across Central Oregon to rest and recover between shifts. The district aims to support the brave firefighters
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UPDATE: Officials have just provided an updated concerning the fires burning near Warm Springs, prompting evacuation notices:Bench FireAcres: 6201Containment: 0% Beachcomb FireAcres: 2352Containment: 0% Extreme and highly active fire behavior with wind gusts up to 29 mph on Friday pushed the Bench Fire over contingency lines to the east, removing the 20% containment that had
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire activity intensified today near Sisters, Ore., with short-range spotting occurring in the southeast part of the fire. The increased activity, driven by hot, dry, windy conditions, was observed near Wilt Road, Blaze Lane and Big Buck Road. Eight task forces are working to strengthen and improve structure protection in the
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Hot, dry weather, low humidity, and occasional gusty winds continue to keep fire danger very high across Central Oregon. With several active wildfires already burning, it only takes one spark to start another.Here are a few simple ways you can help protect our communities:Prevent human-caused sparks. Avoid mowing dry grass during the hottest part of
Continue Reading BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters in Central Oregon are actively managing multiple wildfires today as red flag warning conditions, including gusty winds and low relative humidity, impact the region. The Jefferson and Wasco County Sheriff’s Offices have issued Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations due to the ongoing fire activity, which includes unauthorized drone operations
Continue Reading PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Ochoco National Forest expanded emergency area closures yesterday at 5:00 p.m. due to critical fire activity on National Forest Lands. These closures affect all National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the new boundaries, aiming to protect the public and provide a safe environment for firefighters. The expanded closures
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jared John Empey, a 37-year-old climber from Kuna, Idaho, is missing after falling on Mount Jefferson last Friday. Recovery efforts are continuing today in Linn County. Witnesses reported seeing Empey fall down the west side of the summit near the Red Saddle. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office received the initial report
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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Jefferson County Fair is currently underway, offering classic fair attractions and entertainment despite ongoing wildfires in the area. The fair will continue through Saturday. The community has gathered for the annual celebration, which features classic fair food, vendors and a live rodeo. Four-H participants are showcasing their sheep, cows and
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual “Balloons Over Bend” event is taking place this weekend in Central Oregon, offering morning balloon flights and evening “Night Glow” experiences. Balloon launches are scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., with spectators able to watch the setup and takeoff from the field at Jewell Elementary School. The event
Continue ReadingBEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, IP-28 – also known as Initiative Petition 28, failed to gather enough signatures to appear on ballots in November.The petition would have made hunting, fishing and slaughtering of livestock a crime in Oregon.Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s office provided this statement concerning the issue:
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two back-to-back missions this week, assisting injured and ill hikers in separate areas of the county. On Wednesday, July 22, a 58-year-old woman from the San Francisco area was rescued from Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park after
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek visited Central Oregon Friday to tour the Akawa Butte Fire, announcing federal approval for a Fire Management Assistance Grant that will cover 75% of the blaze’s costs. The governor also addressed the significant strain on resources and the potential use of the Oregon National Guard as the nearly
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority is investigating two Oregon residents who developed Cyclospora infections. These cases are linked to an ongoing multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak and a nationwide recall of pre-shredded iceberg lettuce products. The recalled products, subject to a voluntary recall on July 17, were not reported to have been distributed in
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Akawa Butte Fire has been designated as the nation’s top priority wildfire, ensuring additional resources are available for the response. This comes as Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert and the Emergency Management Team attended a briefing today, along with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, with a Red Flag Warning in effect
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community members rolled up their sleeves Friday to honor the life and legacy of Redmond firefighter-paramedic Michael Kienzle by donating blood during a special American Red Cross blood drive.The event brought together family, friends, fellow firefighters, first responders and community members to continue Kienzle’s lifelong commitment to helping others. Organizers said
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WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Tribal Government of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is monitoring a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action that occurred July 23rd at a rest stop on reservation lands. Tribal police confirmed that no tribal members were taken into federal custody during the stop. The Confederated Tribes
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Local officials and partner agencies are scheduled to hold a community briefing on the Prineville fires at 6:00 p.m. at Carey Foster Hall at the Crook County Fairgrounds today, Friday, July 24th. The meeting will feature a 30-minute operational update on the Brewer, Box Springs, Crosswhite, Coyote, Henry, Pilot, Conant and
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