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The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s BasinLife.com, KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, The Herald and News, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
90% chance of showers with possible thunderstorm. High near 69. Gusty winds 15 -21 mph. Rain late this evening and overnight… low of 43.
Thursday
Showers likely possibly a thunderstorm. High near 66.
Friday
A good chance of showers, high of 69.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 72.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 78.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 82.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Oregon Institute of Technology is proud to announce the launch of its new, fully online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program, officially approved to begin this summer.
The program is the first of its kind in Oregon, reflecting Oregon Tech’s continued commitment to meeting evolving workforce and professional needs. The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program is designed to provide current and future dental hygiene professionals with the advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and research experience needed to expand their impact across the field.
Delivered entirely online, the program offers flexibility for working professionals while maintaining Oregon Tech’s rigorous, applied approach to learning. The program will begin offering new courses this summer, with additional coursework rolling out throughout the upcoming academic year.
Klamath County Fire District 1 Enacts Open Burning Ban
Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) has announced a ban on all open burning within its jurisdiction due to heightened fire risks and the arrival of fire season conditions.
This prohibition affects all areas under KCFD1’s authority, including Klamath Falls and its surrounding suburban and rural regions. The closure encompasses all forms of backyard and open debris burning, such as the disposal of branches, leaves, and other yard waste, as well as agricultural and commercial burning unless a specific non-typical burn permit has been granted by KCFD1.
Additionally, land clearing and waste burning operations are also restricted. However, the use of barbecues and cooking appliances for food preparation remains allowed. KCFD1 urges the public to adhere to this closure, as any outdoor fires that violate these regulations may be promptly extinguished by fire personnel.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Klamath-Lake District has initiated fire season in Klamath and Lake counties.
This includes all private, county, and state wildlands under ODF’s protection. In alignment with this declaration, all agencies within the South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) will commence coordinated fire season operations simultaneously.
This includes the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lakeview District, the Sheldon-Hart Mountain and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complexes, as well as Crater Lake National Park.
With increased recreational activities and more visitors to the forests, the public is strongly encouraged to exercise heightened caution and contribute to wildfire prevention efforts. Let’s be careful in our forests. Thank you.
Klamath County Public Work Department Schedule
Klamath County will have work crews at the following locations this week. Please use caution when in these
areas and watch for flaggers. If you are able to avoid the work zones, please use an alternate
route for your safety and the safety of Klamath County employees and our contractors.
Matney Way between Wong Road and Hill Road.
Traffic is limited to one lane over County Bridge 904-2 (Lost River), with a 10-ton weight limit
in effect. No semi-trucks are permitted.
ROAD CLOSED: East Langell Valley Road between Jones Road and Bunn Way – Starting
Monday April 20, 2026, at 7:00am through Friday September 11, 2026.
See attached map for detour route.
ROAD CLOSED: Falvey Road at the intersection of Highway 39 – Starting Monday May 4,
2026. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will be closing Falvey Road to thru
traffic. See ODOT project webpage for more information:
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/project-details.aspx?project=22077
Spence Mountain – Fuel Reduction & Vegetation Management.
Fuel reduction and tree thinning work will begin Monday May 18, 2026, and is anticipated to
end Monday June 1, 2026. Work area locations include Spence Mountain Trailhead, Shoal
water Bay Trailhead, and various internal roadways. See attached map for approximate
locations.
Crosby Avenue between Washburn Way and Maywood Drive – Wednesday May 27, 2026.
Utility work – expect daytime travel lane closures with Flagger.
A newt found only in and around Crater Lake may soon gain Endangered Species Act protection after a three-year legal fight.
In a recent settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to decide by October whether to list the Crater Lake newt, or Mazama newt, as endangered and support its recovery. The Center petitioned for listing in 2023, and the agency said the newts might qualify. But after missing a November 2024 deadline to study the species and decide, the Center sued.
The yellow-orange newts are a rough-skinned newt subspecies that evolved without predators until about 150 years ago. In the late 1800s, fish were introduced to Crater Lake, and later signal crayfish were added to feed the growing fish population. Both species prey on the newts.
Warmer lake temperatures have also fueled a crayfish boom; they now occupy more than 95% of the shoreline, and a 2024 survey found just 13 newts at dozens of sites, down from 35 a year earlier.
Outdoors enthusiasts are gearing up for the end of the month, when the Linkville Lopers Running and Walking Club hosts its 8th annual Spence Mountain Run on Saturday, May 30.
“This will be our fifth year on the new course with 95 percent single track trails and 5 percent forest/logging road,” the club said in announcing the event, which is described as a “challenging trail running experience.”
Four events are being offered. A 50-kilometer run will start at 7 a.m.; a 30K at 8 a.m.; a half-marathon (13.1 miles) at 8:30 a.m.; and a 5-mile at 9 a.m. The cutoff time for all events is 3 p.m.
Food tickets are included in all distances except the 5-mile. People in the 5-mile run will need to purchase a meal ticket.
Runners and walkers planning to participate are reminded that race day registration is allowed but that no food tickets will be available because they have to be pre-ordered.
CityFest 2026 Downtown is May 30th!
The Main Street portion with Downtown Shop Hop (Third Thurs Style) of the event will run from 2:00 PM to 5:50 PM, followed by the concert, worship service, and activities at Veterans Park beginning at 6:00 PM.
We’d love to help encourage attendees to explore and support our amazing downtown businesses! More than 60 local churches, nonprofits, and businesses from across the Greater Klamath Area are coming together to throw a massive, family-friendly celebration in the heart of downtown Klamath Falls. It’s a free festival all about unity, hope, and good news. If you remember the 2023 CityFest Festival
at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, you can anticipate what’s coming to Klamath Downtown 2026!
Join us Saturday, May 30, 2026, for a full day of fun, music, and meaning that brings our whole community together.
The Klamath Falls Downtown Association (KFDA) is thrilled to welcome the community to a vibrant summer filled with shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly activities during the 2026 Summer Event Series in downtown Klamath Falls.
Scheduled from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, these evening gatherings will transform the downtown area into a bustling hub where both residents and visitors can explore local businesses, enjoy live music, and discover unique vendors against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset.
The series will feature three events on the third Thursday of each month, beginning June 18 and concluding on August 20, each highlighting the distinctive charm of the Klamath Basin.
For the latest updates and event information, please follow the Klamath Falls Downtown Association on Facebook and Instagram.
Oregon Tech invites graduates, their families, and friends to gather at the Klamath Falls campus on June 13 beginning at 10AM to honor the Class of 2026.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Shereef Elnahal, President of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), who took office in August 2025.
In his capacity as president, Dr. Elnahal manages a budget exceeding $6.2 billion and oversees more than 22,000 employees, making OHSU the largest employer in Portland and one of the most significant in Oregon. His leadership focuses on strategic planning, financial sustainability, and maintaining high standards across healthcare, research, and education to ensure the continued success of Oregon’s academic health center. Under his guidance, OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute received a landmark $2 billion donation from Phil and Penny Knight and inaugurated the Vista Pavilion, a new inpatient facility dedicated to cancer care.
Ragland Arts Festival, June 20th
June 20th will be the date for the first Ragland Arts Festival from 10AM-2PM.
There will be vendors, art, music, food, and so much community fun. Join us in the Cultural Center for a day of fun, sunshine, and last minute shopping for Father’s Day.
This event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds from this event go to our Education Scholarship Fund. The Education Scholarship Fund helps ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to attend one of our camps or classes due to financial restraints.
TICKETS: FREE. Donations are accepted.
The YMCA of Klamath Falls will be having the annual Community Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Shield Crest Golf Course.
Sponsors are needed at $500, which includes one complimentary team of four players with carts, lunch, a tee box advertising sign and media recognition, and 18 holes of great golf.
Everyone is invited to enter and play with the tournament limited to the first 72 players. Tournament entry fee for individuals is $80 a person. All proceeds support scholarships for youth and families.
Call 541-884-4149 or 541-883-3977 to register or ask questions. Thank you from the YMCA!
This week’s pet is a kitty named ” Della “
Della is a 3 month old, female, Domestic Shorthair mix, brown with black tabby stripes, and she weighs about 2.5 pounds.
Around the State of Oregon
Residents in Medford will soon receive energy generated by Oregon’s first floating solar panels through the state’s Community Solar Program.
More than 1,700 panels on floating platforms atop a Medford Irrigation District reservoir will generate power intended to cut costs for the district, the city and about 60 homes in Jackson County. Kyle Petrocine, program manager at theEnergy Trust of Oregon, one of the administrators of Oregon’s Community Solar Program, said people can subscribe online to community solar projects across the state.
Customers pay for a subscription and receive credits on their utility bills, lowering overall costs. Petrocine said low-income subscribers can get discounted subscription rates and save up to 40% on their power bills. He said several similar projects are being considered in the Rogue Valley and other parts of Oregon.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has denied PacifiCorp’s request for an interim rate increase while the Commission conducts a full review of the utility’s general rate case filing.
PacifiCorp is asking to raise overall customer revenues by $170.7 million, or 8.6 percent, in its general rate case. As part of that filing, PacifiCorp sought a temporary 2.8 percent increase starting June 4, 2026, saying it was needed to address financial pressure and concerns about its credit ratings.
If approved, the interim increase would have reduced the size of possible rate changes in 2027 and shifted the timing of those changes from April to July 2027. After reviewing PacifiCorp’s filing for interim rates, the Commission did not find justification to approve the interim rate request.
The Commission will investigate the general rate revision request under the standard 10-month suspension. The review will continue through 2026, with a final decision expected in March 2027.
A Romanian National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Victims
A Romanian national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for defrauding elderly victims by stealing their bank cards and taking money from their bank accounts.
Rexona Caldararu, 34, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, beginning in the summer of 2023 and continuing through the summer of 2025, Caldararu and her co-conspirators would memorize the debit card pin numbers of elderly victims as they checked out at the grocery store. Caldararu or one of her co-conspirators then followed each victim back to the parking lot, told the victim they dropped cash and insisted on helping place the cash back in their wallet while at the same time removing their debit card. Caldararu and her co-conspirators would then proceed to the victim’s bank and remove as much money as possible and sometimes also use the debit card to make purchases. Caldararu defrauded 12 victims from the District of Oregon and elsewhere and stole more than $73,500. Caldararu had been previously arrested for similar conduct throughout the country, in the United Kingdom, and in France.
On Oct. 7, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count superseding indictment charging Caldararu and her co-conspirators. On Jan. 22, 2026, Caldararu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was Unchanged at 5.2% in April
In April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 500 jobs, following a loss of 4,300 jobs, as revised, in March. April’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,900 jobs) and construction (+800). Losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,000 jobs); financial activities (-900); and retail trade (-800).
Health care and social assistance grew rapidly in the past 12 months, adding 12,500 jobs, or 4.0%. During the past four years, the sector grew rapidly and consistently, adding a total of 58,100 jobs, or 21.7%, since April 2022. In the past 12 months, each of its component industries grew quickly: social assistance (+5,500 jobs, or 6.6%); nursing and residential care facilities (+2,800 jobs, or 4.7%); ambulatory health care services (+2,500 jobs, or 2.3%); and hospitals (+800 jobs, or 1.2%).
Professional and business services continued to shed jobs at a pace similar to the past three years. This major industry cut 9,300 jobs, or 3.6%, in the past 12 months. Losses were large in each of its three component industries: administrative and waste services (-4,300 jobs, or -4.4%); professional and technical services (-3,200 jobs, or -2.9%); and management of companies and enterprises (-1,800 jobs, or -3.7%).
Manufacturing employment dropped 400 jobs in April, following steep losses over the prior three years. In the past 12 months, durable goods manufacturing cut 5,500 jobs, or 4.4%, while nondurable goods manufacturing cut 1,500 jobs, or 2.7%.
FREE FISHING DAY!
Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, 2026.
No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags/validations are required on these days (meaning you do not need a Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement, Ocean Endorsement or two-rod validation where two rods are allowed).
Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free. Oregon State Parks also offers free parking on Saturday, June 6. All other fishing regulations apply including closures, gear restrictions, bag limits, and size restrictions.
BLM celebrates Freedom 250 with public events across Oregon
The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence through three public events across Oregon in 2026. The events foster a deeper appreciation of our nation’s past, the beauty and value of public lands, and the work it takes to sustain the health and productivity of these lands for the use and enjoyment of generations to come.
The events are part of the national Freedom 250 commemoration and also recognize the BLM’s 80th anniversary of public land stewardship.
Featured Freedom 250 Events:
- Oregon Trail Days – Baker City, Ore.
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Where: Geiser-Pollman Park, Baker City, Ore.
The signature Freedom 250 event for BLM Oregon/Washington, Oregon Trail Days transforms Geiser-Pollman Park into an immersive Oregon Trail experience featuring wagon rides, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, crafts, and games.
The free, family-friendly celebration highlights the role public lands play in preserving the landscapes and stories tied to America’s westward expansion. Additional programming will also take place at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center throughout the weekend.
- Wood River Wetland Volunteer Day – Near Klamath Falls, Ore.
When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT
Where: Wood River Wetland, approximately 30 miles north of Klamath Falls, Ore.
This Freedom 250 volunteer event invites the community to assist with invasive weed removal and restoration work on public lands.
The event highlights the continued role Americans play in caring for public lands through volunteerism and stewardship.
- Victorian Holiday Celebration – Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Where: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, near Newport, Ore.
This coastal Freedom 250 event connects visitors to Oregon’s maritime history through a Victorian-themed holiday celebration at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Activities may include caroling, historical parlor games, ornament crafts, interpretive storytelling, and live music.
As a dedicated custodian of America’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence with the nation.
From iconic landmarks like Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to the historic Oregon Trail, BLM-administered public lands represent the spirit of the nation’s foundational principles. These events honor stories of exploration, resilience, stewardship, and public service woven throughout America’s history.
SNAP interviews will be required for all households starting June 1st
Starting June 1, 2026, all SNAP households must complete an interview when they apply for or renew their monthly food benefits.
This change returns SNAP to standard federal rules, which require interviews for all applications and renewals. These rules help make sure benefits are accurate and reflect each household’s current situation. An interview must be completed before benefits can be approved.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some households were allowed to skip renewal interviews. This temporary flexibility ends May 31, 2026.
This includes households that previously did not need an interview, such as those where:
- All adults are age 60 or older or meet the SNAP definition of disability, and
- No one in the household has income from work
For some people, this may be the first time they complete a SNAP interview when renewing their benefits.
Interviews are a standard part of SNAP. They help:
- Confirm information
- Prevent errors
- Make sure people receive the correct benefit amount
- Connect people to the full benefits and services they may qualify for
What this means for people
People applying for or renewing SNAP benefits will need to complete an interview before their benefits can be approved or renewed.
“These updates help make sure people receive the correct SNAP benefits for their current situation,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, SNAP Director at ODHS. “We know adding another step may be challenging. Our staff are here to help answer questions and support people in the way that works best for them. Completing the interview and providing documents when requested helps us process benefits correctly and connect people to the full amount they qualify for.”
What people can do now
- Make sure ODHS has your current contact information
- Watch for mail, email, text messages or phone calls from ODHS about your interview
- Respond to messages from ODHS to avoid delays
- Connect with ODHS in the way that works best for you—online, by phone or in person
Learn more about SNAP at Oregon.snap.gov
Ways people can contact ODHS
- Online: Through a ONE Online account
- By phone: Call 800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
- In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
- By Mail: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
About SNAP in Oregon
SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year.
Child Sexual Abuse Material Uploaded to Social Messaging App “Discord” Leads to Search Warrant in Rural Central Point, Investigation Ongoing
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s (ODOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force served a search warrant this morning in Central Point. Investigators served the search warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) images were uploaded from the address to the social messaging app Discord. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing.
SOCET served the search warrant Wednesday, May 27 at a residence in the 5000 block of Table Rock Road in rural Central Point. SOCET began the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence.
SOCET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Medford Police Department (MPD), Talent Police Department, ODOJ ICAC, and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF). During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation.
SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, MPD, ODOJ ICAC, and HSI, as well as prosecutors from our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, and MPD.
Lake Oswego Man Charged with Sexually Exploiting Multiple Minors and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man has been charged with sexually exploiting minor victims online and in person across multiple states and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Alex Miller Eldridge, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, since May 2025, Eldridge used multiple online accounts to sexually exploit minors in multiple U.S. states and at least one foreign country. In December 2024, Eldridge flew from Hawaii to Pennsylvania to sexually abuse a minor victim he met on the Discord application. Eldridge recorded his sexual abuse of the minor victim and later sent those videos to multiple other minor victims.
Eldridge used the Discord and Session applications to engage in sexually themed chats with additional minor victims in 2025 and 2026. He directed one minor victim in Colorado and another in Greece to send him videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which he then threatened to distribute online.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Elridge’s home on May 20 and located additional evidence of sexual exploitation of minors and CSAM activity. Evidence found on Eldridge’s cell phone showed that he distributed CSAM on Discord the day before his arrest.
Eldridge made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge, who detained Eldridge pending further court proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Oregon Department of Forestry trains, deploys adults in custody firefighting crews for quick wildfire response
Molalla, Ore.—Hoses, chainsaws, Pulaskis and other tools of the firefighting trade were in the hands of motivated adults in custody (AICs) this month as Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) experts trained 37 AICs from the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and more than 100 assigned to the South Fork Forest Camp.
“We’ve been looking forward to fire season all year,” said Kelsie Martin, an AIC at Coffee Creek. “This will be my second-year volunteering for and going through the training. Nearly all the skills we learn here are transferable to life after we get out. It’s not just the hands-on stuff either—we get to practice responsible leadership and team building. However, the main thing the training and actual firefighting gives us is meaning and purpose.”
Coffee Creek typically has three 10-person crews trained,ready, andon rotation throughout fire season.
“The crews are key to keeping our IA (initial attack) robust,” said Kyle Koonce, ODF’s Santiam Unit Permanent Forest Officer and coordinator of the training for the Coffee Creek crews at the Molalla Office. “We typically have two-to-three engines respond to a fire start, then the hand crews come in and finish lining the fire helping to keep them small. This allows our engines to get back online ready for the next fire start.”
The hand crews are also key to what wildland firefighters call post-fire rehabilitation.
“For a 15-acre fire we might have nearly a mile of hose out there,” said Koonce. “These crew will spend a half to a whole day just emptying and rolling up fire hose. Again, this frees up critical resources like our engines to go after other fires.”
The AIC crews do everything a typical contracted firefighting crew does with one main restriction.
“We only deploy within a 2-hour drive of the facility in Wilsonville,” said Sgt. Patrick Forman, a Department of Corrections officer and certified crew boss. “We still operate under the same standards as any other crew with a 16-hour day, the difference is we may be travelling four hours.”
That restriction doesn’t limit their effectiveness or the value they provide to local communities.
“2024 was the first year I volunteered to be part of a crew,” said Jody Warren, who is back for her third fire season. “We went to the Lee Falls Fire (where the community of Cherry Gove was evacuated) and it was very emotional for me since I grew up in the area. It gave me a chance to give back to a community I took from. It gave me such purpose that now I want to pursue a career in firefighting when I get out in 10 months.”
The women train year-round to get in shape and stay fit for fire season.
“Every weekend, we would do training and every weekend, no matter the weather, these women would choose not to sleep in, but to get out and get after it,” said Foreman, who along with Koonce has been with the program from the beginning.
2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of ODF and DOC working together to train Coffee Creek adults in custody.
The program is so popular they had 110 women apply this year but could only accept 27.
“Many were not medically cleared, and some were not accepted to participate for other reasons,” said Foreman. “Otherwise, we might have nine or 10 crews instead of three.”
The 40-hours of training includes morning classroom sessions, and then the afternoons are hands-on.
“We decided to break up the classroom work, so we have a tools and equipment day, a pumps and hose lay day, a day-long chain saw course, then one day in the use of chain saws, then a field day the last day that incorporates all the lessons and simulates a typical day on a fire,” said Koonce.
The AICs also do a series of firefighting courses: S-130 (Wildland Firefighting), L-180 (Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service), and S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior) that, along with the week-long training, gets them a certification.
For 75 years, DOC and ODF have jointly run the South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) in the middle of the Tillamook State Forest. At SFFC, the AICs get the same training just in a slightly different format. They have two longer days of classroom training and two hands-on field days. SFFC provides 12 crews that are ready for fire season.
In addition to crews from Coffee Creek and South Fork, ODF also deploys a smaller number of AIC firefighters from DOC’s Santiam, Deer Ridge, and Snake River Correctional institutions as well as the Powder River Correctional Facility.
No matter which facility they come from, ODF uses the firefighters strategically during fire season.
“We have been prepositioning crews ahead of predicted severe weather events for several years,” said Koonce. “This cuts down on response time and that allows us to spend more time with initial attack rather than travelling.”
Even though it takes time and resources for ODF to support AIC firefighting programs, the department sees many benefits.
“These programs we run training and using AIC crews have given us more firefighting resources and, as a bonus, provides our seasonal staff an opportunity to lead and teach that they likely might not get otherwise until later in their career,” said Koonce. “From the ODF perspective, everything about AIC crews are a win-win.”
Corrections also confirms the mutual benefits of the cooperative firefighting program.
“I know of at least eight former AIC that were part of the program that got jobs with firefighting contractors in just the last year,” said Foreman. “How do you put a price on people finding purpose and meaning while with DOC then leaving the system and becoming working, productive members of society?”
Visitors planning to explore Oregon’s state parks this summer should be aware of new regulations that have been implemented this year. Notably, several parks have prohibited drone usage due to environmental concerns, although permits can be obtained for flying in non-restricted areas.
Additionally, it is crucial to adhere to campfire safety guidelines, ensuring that fires are completely extinguished after use, as certain regions may impose total fire bans later in the season based on assessments from local and state fire agencies.
Furthermore, an increasing number of parks are now charging day-use parking fees, and a more stringent cancellation policy for reservations will be enforced, as noted by Lauren Wirtis from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For further details on these regulations, please visit the department’s website.
Oregon Officials Urge Wildfire Preparedness Ahead of Early Fire Season
As May marks National Wildfire Awareness Month, fire officials across Oregon are urging residents to prepare now for what could be an intense and early wildfire season.
Experts say a combination of drought conditions, low snowpack, increased lightning, and below-average rainfall could push fire season to begin weeks earlier than the typical June 1 start.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) says it has been preparing year-round, including conducting prescribed burns and ramping up seasonal hiring to ensure firefighters and equipment are ready.
Despite those efforts, officials stress that public awareness is critical. About 80 percent of wildfires in Oregon are caused by humans, with vehicle sparks and debris burning among the leading causes.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions, such as properly extinguishing debris burns, following burn restrictions, avoiding parking hot vehicles on dry grass, and being mindful of sparks from chains, brakes, and mufflers.
Douglas County has already declared an Emergency Drought Order, highlighting concerns about water shortages and economic impacts. Officials warn that limited water supplies could affect farming, livestock, and residential use.
While this year’s snowpack is among the lowest on record, similar to 2015 and 2018, fire officials say it’s too early to predict how severe the season will be.
Still, ODF says it is confident in its preparations and coordination with partner agencies to respond effectively to wildfires across protected lands.
Oregon Utilities Promote Wildfire Awareness: Get Ready for Fire Season by Preparing Now and Staying Informed
PGE, Pacific Power, Idaho Power and the PUC share tips and guidance as fire season approaches
In recognition of National Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC), Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power encourage Oregonians to prepare for wildfire season. Everyone has a part to play this summer in keeping our communities safe.
PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power invest year-round to prevent wildfire and deliver safe, reliable power to the homes and communities that depend on it. They partner with tribes and federal, state and local agencies to plan and prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
“We’ve had an unusually dry winter across much of Oregon, and that means wildfire season may arrive earlier and with greater intensity,” said Commissioner Chair Letha Tawney. “Even as Oregon electric utilities invest billions to reduce wildfire risk, customers need to be ready for potential outages when fire danger is high. The changing risk of extreme wildfires touches every Oregon community and requires all of us to take steps now to reduce the chance of catastrophe.”
Resources to help Oregonians prepare for wildfire season are available at wildfire.oregon.gov, including guidance on staying informed, evacuation planning and creating defensible space to help prevent wildfire.
PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power also share these additional tips on ways to stay safe and be prepared this fire season.
Have a plan
- Consider relocating with a friend, family member or shelter, especially if medication or treatment of a medical condition requires electricity.
- Businesses should communicate their outage-response plans to key employees, plan for workarounds to computers and cash registers and make a plan to bypass electronic door locks.
- Plan for livestock water needs in case well pumps lose power.
- Know how to open and close electric garage doors and security gates.
- Learn how to protect home and business electronics and appliances against data loss and surge damage when power is restored.
Make an outage kit
Prepare your home and businesses by making an outage kit to use in case wildfire leads to a power outage.
- Be sure to include shelf-stable food, water for people, pets and livestock, medications, flashlights, batteries and solar or car chargers for electric devices. Keep ice packs or frozen water in the freezer to help keep food cold until ice is available.
- Outage kits should also include flashlights or camp lights for all areas, including restrooms, battery-powered or hand-crank radios for information, battery-powered fans, extra batteries, car chargers for cell phones and electric devices, bottled water and emergency phone numbers.
- Businesses should prepare to minimize disruption, keep employees safe and protect equipment.
Stay informed
Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you receive up-to-date wildfire information:
- Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you can receive alerts and messages.
- If you rely on electricity to store medication or operate medical equipment, enroll in your electric provider’s Medical Certificate Program, if available, to receive proactive communications about outages. Make a backup plan with your doctor and other medical providers.
- VisitOregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts.
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