KTVZ News has learned evacuations are underway in Wheeler County due to multiple wildfires. From Central Oregon Fire: Central Oregon — The Central Oregon Type 3 Team took command of the Rowe Creek Complex yesterday at 6 p.m. The Complex includes approximately seven fires including Crosswhite, Camel Hump, Red Rock and Twickenham Fires that ignited when
Continue Reading
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Firefighters are responding to a house fire on Wickiup Court. A KTVZ News crew just arrived on scene and is following this developing story.Stay with the digital platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates.
Continue Reading REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 75 wildfires ignited across Central Oregon after more than 2,000 lightning strikes hit the region on July 15, 2026. These fires experienced explosive growth yesterday due to strong winds, low humidities and high temperatures. The widespread lightning activity on July 15 affected the area covered by the Central Oregon
Continue Reading
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek appointed Zohra Bakhtary Tourville to the Washington County Circuit Court on Friday. The appointment is effective immediately, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Theodore Sims. Bakhtary Tourville currently serves as a Beaverton Municipal Court Judge. In her current role, she leads the nationally recognized B-SOBR
Continue Reading
HOOD RIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — On July 15th, 2026, Oregon State Police arrested Gregory Adam Polanski, 43, after he struck two Oregon Department of Transportation workers on a closed Interstate 84 off-ramp in Hood River and then left the scene. Polanski was booked into the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR) on charges including reckless
Continue Reading
The Oregon Department of Forestry is deploying its Complex Incident Management Team 2 to central Oregon to manage multiple wildfires in the Prineville and Sisters area. The team will oversee the Brewer fire, estimated at more than 3,000 acres; the Akawa fire, at more than 3,200 acres; and the Pilot fire, at 100 acres. This
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. — A longtime Bend outdoor retailer has expanded beyond skis and snowboards, transforming its former back lot into a new gathering place for food, drinks and community.After nearly 25 years serving Central Oregon’s outdoor community, the family behind Powder House has opened Base Camp, a two-story taphouse and food truck pavilion at 311
Continue Reading
UPDATE: Brewer fire updated to 3,000 acres according to Watch Duty. UPDATE: The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has updated their evacuation map.Here is the latest map as of 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 16th. UPDATE: According to Watch Duty – Fire Size: Approximately 20-30 acres Fuels: Grass, brush Structures: No structures threatened Fire Crews/Resources: Interagency resources are responding,
Continue Reading
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — President Donald Trump is addressing the nation from the East Room of The White House. You can watch the entire speech below, streaming LIVE from KTVZ+.
Continue Reading
UPDATE: Watch Duty – A Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation has been issued for Zone CRR-7S-M. A Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation has been issued for Zone CRR-7S-N. Per the Genasys Evacuation Map. These zones are also visible on the Watch Duty map. The fire has jumped SE Newsome Creek Road and is traveling east.
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. — A nationwide blood shortage is raising concerns in Central Oregon, where hospitals depend on a steady supply of donated blood to treat patients every day. The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give blood as it works to rebuild the national blood supply. When someone needs blood after a serious
Continue Reading
Wheeler County, ORE. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon experienced widespread lightning activity yesterday, July 15, 2026, with more than 2,000 strikes initiating more than 50 wildfires across areas managed by Central Oregon Fire Management Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry. The highest concentration of these fires is in Wheeler County, including the Crosswhite Fire, which
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ News is excited to announce the promotion of Kelsey Merison to evening anchor. Merison will begin her new role on Monday, August 3rd. Since returning to Oregon from Montana, Merison has helped people throughout Central Oregon start their day as co-anchor of KTVZ News at Sunrise. Through her current role,
Continue Reading
Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — The Bend Police Department is seeking applications from community members to serve on its Police Chief’s Advisory Council. Applications for the council must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. The Police Chief’s Advisory Council, which was rebooted in 2022, aims to build and maintain trust between the Bend
Continue Reading
The City Club of Central Oregon will host a community forum on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, to discuss the future of urban renewal in Central Oregon. The event will explore how this tool helps communities make important decisions about infrastructure, economic development, housing opportunities and revitalizing key areas. The forum, titled “Building Tomorrow: The Role
Continue Reading
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From questions regarding the amount of cannabis dispensaries allowed within city limits to reports of illegal firework usage over the 4th of July weekend, Mayor Ed Fitch answers viewer-submitted questions for this month’s Ask the Mayor. Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Fitch at any time as part of our monthly
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From Mt. Bachelor’s “Cloud Chaser” camera, a plume of smoke can be seen in the distance. According to the Department of Forestry, there were multiple lightning strikes in the area and crews are currently assessing how to respond to each incident. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVkLyuigAwA A firefighting aircraft from Redmond’s Roberts Field has been
Continue Reading
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 60th annual Crooked River Roundup parimutuel horse races kick off Wednesday night at the Crook County Fairgrounds, bringing a long-standing Central Oregon tradition back to life with four days of racing, community spirit and regional pride. The races run July 15 through July 18 and are known for drawing the
Continue Reading
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson announced today that Ochoco Viewpoint in Prineville, Ore., will remain open until 10 p.m., an hour later than its previous 9 p.m. closing time. The extension, effective immediately for the summer season, is a collaborative effort by Rep. Breese-Iverson, the City of Prineville and Oregon State Parks to
Continue Reading
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond City Council is considering a fireworks ban following multiple fire-related calls during Independence Day weekend. This consideration comes after a fast-moving vegetation fire occurred in northwest Redmond and at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. The council’s review included statistics on the fire-related incidents and body-cam video from July 4, showing
Continue Reading