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Monday, July 27, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny with a high near 85. Clear, with a low around 53. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light north northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
WILDFIRE SMOKE RISKS ARE GREATER THAN YOU THINK – BE PREPARED
Wildfire smoke, like other sources of air pollution, can irritate eyes and lungs and cause everyone to experience symptoms such as coughing and watery eyes, which often clear up once the smoke passes.Â
Smoke is made up of very small particles that can travel into the bloodstream to people’s lungs, heart, and other organs. Â
Scientists are concerned about particulate matter that is 2.5 microns in size and smaller, known as “PM 2.5.” Thirty PM 2.5 strung together are the width of a human hair. Â
“That’s how small we’re talking here. It is very well-documented that PM 2.5 exposure can decrease lung function, aggravate asthma, cause irregular heartbeat and heart attacks, and cause premature death in people with heart or lung disease,” Goldfarb said.Â
People most impactedÂ
In addition to those with chronic conditions, groups sensitive to wildfire smoke include older adults, infants and children, people who are pregnant and those who regularly smoke. Outdoor workers and athletes are also at higher risk. Â
Low-income families who struggle with access to health care and protective housing may also experience worse effects of wildfire smoke, Goldfarb said. Â
Children are a particularly sensitive population, because they inhale more smoke per pound of body weight than adults, and their lungs and other organs are still developing.Â
How to stay safeÂ
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. OHA reminds people to check conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, view Oregon DEQ Air Quality Index or download the free OregonAIR app on the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search for alerts in their communities. Â
If reports show high smoke levels, take the following steps:Â
- Stay indoors whenever possible.
- Create cleaner air spaces.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers, if available, or create a DIY Box fan filter.
- When driving, set your car’s ventilation to “recirculate.”
- If you live with chronic lung or heart conditions, follow your management and treatment plan. Call your health care provider if your condition worsens due to smoke exposure. Relocate to an area with cleaner air if you can.
- Keep track of medication, refill prescriptions if needed, and keep an eye on personal health.Â
Many communities open cleaner air spaces during severe smoke events to help people unable to create a cleaner air space at home. In partnership with local officials and organizations, 211Info maintains a list of public cleaner air spaces. For more information:Â
- Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-698-6155 – both lines are available 24 hours a day.Â
- Text the area zip code to 898211 (TXT211) – available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Visit https://www.211info.org/
Remember that cloth, dust, and surgical masks do not protect against harmful particles in smoke. NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators may offer protection, but they must be properly fitted and worn. They won’t work for everyone, especially children.Â
For more information on reducing exposure to wildfire smoke, including fact sheets and FAQs in multiple languages, visit OHA’s Wildfires and Smoke page.
The Klamath County Fair starts THURSDAY!
  Daily Hours and Highlights
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Thursday, July 30: Gates open at Noon. Free admission from Noon to 3 PM, Trace Adkins headlines the John Hancock Arena as part of his 30th Anniversary Tour.
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Friday, July 31: Gates open at Noon. Free admission from Noon to 3 PM, sponsored by Days Inn. BULLRIDING….Challenge of Champions Tour in the John Hancock Arena.
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Saturday, August 1:Â Gates open at 10 AM. Crash 4 Cash Demolition Derby in the John Hancock Arena.
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Sunday, August 2: Gates open at 10 AM and admission is FREE all day, sponsored by KIX 96 and Wynne Broadcasting. Â
See Klamath County Fair WEBSITE HERE
Two Klamath Falls Residents Arrested After Eagle Point Burglary
Two Klamath Falls residents were arrested last week in the Rogue Valley after police say they broke into the Purple Parrot business in Eagle Point.
Officers responded to a burglar alarm and saw two suspects leaving the area on an electric scooter. The pair ignored officers and fled, leading to a search involving a police drone and a K-9 team.
Police later found 37-year-old Jennifer Grinnals hiding near Harnish Wayside Park. The second suspect, 39-year-old Kenneth Banes, was arrested in a vehicle near Hillside Elementary School.
Investigators say Banes entered the business through the roof and fell through the ceiling, suffering minor injuries. He was treated at a hospital before being booked into the Jackson County Jail.
Banes faces several charges, including burglary, theft, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, and drug possession. He was also arrested for violating probation. Grinnals was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary.
Police say the suspects drove from Klamath Falls to Eagle Point before the break-in. The burglary caused more than $1,000 in damage, and the business was closed for several hours while investigators collected evidence. Detectives are now comparing evidence from the case with other burglaries in Southern Oregon to see if the suspects are connected to additional crimes. The investigation is ongoing.
Red Cross Blood Drive
If you are considering attending the Klamath County Fair this week, there is an opportunity to gain free entry while contributing to a vital cause.
The Klamath County Fairgrounds is collaborating with the American Red Cross to organize two community blood drives prior to the fair. Individuals who donate blood will receive a complimentary admission ticket for the 2026 Klamath County Fair. These blood drives are scheduled to take place in Linman Hall, with sessions on Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
While walk-ins are accepted, making an appointment is recommended. In addition to the free fair ticket, eligible donors will also receive a Fandango movie reward as part of a nationwide appreciation initiative by the Red Cross.
The 2026 Klamath County Fair is set to occur from July 30 to August 2 at the Klamath County Fairgrounds in Klamath Falls, featuring a variety of attractions including carnival rides, livestock exhibits, entertainment, and activities suitable for families.
Appointments for blood donation can be arranged through the Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Don’t Miss The Klamath Art Gallery’s 80 Years Celebration!
This week’s pet is a dog named ” Silas “.
Silas is a 4 1/2 month old male mixed breed, perhaps with some shepherd, in him. Â He is brown with black on his face, ears and tail, some white markings and one blue eye. He already weighs about 45 pounds.
Silas is still very much a puppy brain despite already being the size of many full grown dogs.
He loves to gallop about and play with toys, he has started learning to walk on leash, but he hasn’t learned yet that it’s not polite to jump up to say hi. If you are ready for a big, happy, bouncy baby Silas may be your guy.
If you are interested in adopting Silas the shelter is located at 4240 Washburn Way, Monday through Friday from 12:00 – 4:00, you can reach the shelter at 541-884-PETS (541-884-7387)
View all adoptable pets anytime online at http://www.klamathanimalshelter.org
Around the State of Oregon
7/27/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today
East Evans Creek Fire – Jackson County
The East Evans Creek Fire is now 66% contained following another day of mop-up operations across the incident. Acreage remains 15,580.
Mop-Up Progress: Crews completed 300 feet of deep mop-up work adjacent to the primary fire line. This effort systematically cools hot spots and prevents interior embers from crossing containment boundaries.
]Resource Optimization: Operational command transitioned to a Florida Complex Incident Management Team as of July 27, 2026. Crews have begun demobilizing and packing up equipment that is no longer needed on the line.
Active Evacuations: All emergency evacuation levels remain downgraded to a Level 1 “Be Ready” notice for zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149, JAC-158, and JAC-203-B.
Safety Closures: Roadblocks remain active for public safety. Traffic remains closed to the general public on East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road, along with Bureau of Land Management restrictions on West Fork Evans Creek Road and Rock Creek Road.
Incident History: The blaze originally ignited on July 10, 2026, following a vehicle crash into a roadside utility pole.
Wildfire Update – 07.26.26 11:30 AM Fire crews from Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District performed a grid of the Clay Fire (#203) near Windemar Drive in the Ashland Watershed this morning and extinguished all remaining areas of heat.
Smoke and Wildfires Impacting Road Safety Across Oregon
ODOT Urges Drivers to Plan Ahead, Stay Informed, and Travel Prepared
SALEM, Ore. – With wildfire activity increasing across Oregon during the 2026 season, State officials are urging travelers to use extreme caution and remain aware of rapidly changing conditions.
Heavy smoke can severely reduce visibility, worsen air quality, and create hazardous and unhealthy driving situations. In several areas, fire activity has already resulted in temporary road closures, reduced speed zones, and detours.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) continue working together to keep Oregonians safe—and they’re asking the public to take steps to prepare before hitting the road.
“If you’re planning a road trip this summer, make sure your car is ready,” said Alaina Calhoun, Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Manager for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). “Start your trip with a full tank of gas or a full electric charge, check your tires and air conditioner, and know your route ahead of time. Conditions can change quickly during wildfire season.”Â
OEM encourages travelers to carry a well-stocked emergency car kit in case of delays or unexpected closures.
A car kit should include:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or a reflective triangle
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Blanket
- Map or printed directions
- Cell phone and car charger
- Backup power supply
- Hand-crank weather radio (modern ones double as backup cell phone power)
- N95 respirator (to help filter smoky air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (for sheltering in place if needed)
- Wet wipes, garbage bags, and toilet paper
- Whistle to signal for help
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Portable shovel
The Oregon Health Authority also advises keeping the air inside the vehicle as clean as possible when air quality is poor. Keep windows closed. Turn the air settings to recirculate and run the fan. Avoid smoking or vaping, and scented fresheners inside the vehicle. These can add to pollution inside the car. If it is hot outside, be sure to turn on the vehicle’s air conditioner–and set it to recirculate–to keep the temperature and air quality inside safe.Â
Wildfire conditions can add to the stresses of driving. If you need someone to talk through how you feel, or you feel anxious or frustrated, help is available by dialing 988. The Agristress helpline is also available for agricultural workers. Remember: never text while driving. Call only when it is safe to do so, such as after pulling over in a safe place or arriving at your destination.Â
“We all have a role to play in preventing wildfires in Oregon, especially as extended drought conditions create a greater window of opportunity for roadside ignitions,” said ODOT Lead Public Information Officer Kacey Davey.  “Smoke affects visibility as well as air quality and can lead to sudden changes in driving conditions. If visibility is poor or air quality is hazardous, consider delaying your trip. Safety should always come first. If you must drive in smoky conditions, keep windows closed and set your car’s air system to recirculate to reduce the amount of smoke entering the vehicle.”
Before You Go:
- Check road conditions by calling 511.
- Follow all local fire restrictions and closures.
- Be aware of smoke conditions that could impact health and visibility.
- When pulling off the road, stay on paved surfaces whenever possible. Avoid the side of the road where dry grass can spark a fire if it comes in contact with your vehicle’s hot components including the exhaust system or catalytic converter. Â
- Secure chains and make sure they aren’t dragging. That can cause sparks.
- Maintain proper tire pressure as driving on rims will throw off sparks. Â
- View real-time hazard updates, maps, and fire information through OEM’s Wildfire Dashboard.
- Sign up for emergency alerts at Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your mobile device.
- If you aren’t traveling, still get prepared. Have go-bags ready for everyone in your family, and create defensible space.
- The best preparation is to not start a fire in the first place. Visit Keep Oregon Green’s website to learn more about how you can prevent wildfires.
- Read more about wildfire preparation here.
For more resources and wildfire readiness information, visit https://wildfire.oregon.gov.
40 Modular Homes to Be Built in Phoenix to Replace Homes Lost in Almeda Fire
Oregon Housing and Community Services selected five projects to build 117 affordable homes using factory-produced housing methods across the state.
AGE+ and Blazer Modular Construction plan to use the funding to build 40 fully accessible, affordable homes for older adults in Phoenix. The project, Phoenix Commons, will replace housing lost in the Almeda Fire. The modular construction will reduce per-unit costs and cut the construction schedule by several months.
The initiative comes from House Bill 3145 passed in the 2025 Legislative Session. It will fund up to five factory-produced housing projects with Local Innovation and Fast Track set-aside funds totaling $25 million. Factory-produced housing, like modular homes, offers an alternative to traditional construction and can produce homes faster and at lower costs.
Oregon Residents Reminded to be Ready for Power Outages
With wildfires burning across the state and extreme weather events affecting communities, residents are reminded to prepare for potential power outages.
These events can damage electrical equipment or force utilities to adjust system settings, which may lead to more frequent or longer outages.
In some high-risk areas, utilities may implement public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), a safety measure designed to help protect people and communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity. Utilities may also de-energize lines to protect equipment or to support firefighting efforts.
Be prepared in advance
Prepare your home and businesses in the event a wildfire or weather incident leads to a power outage.
- Be two weeks ready– Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, among other things, needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider.
- For individuals with a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps the utility ensure they meet your needs in the event of an outage.
- Update your utility account on your service provider’s website to make sure they have your current contact information and can send you notifications. If uncertain which electric utility serves your area, visit https://www.oregon.gov/energy/
energy-oregon/pages/find-your- utility.aspx. - Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car-charger for cell phones and other electronic devices.
- Plan for livestock water needs in the event well pumps lose power.
- Have a plan to relocate to an alternative location for power needs, or if you can, consider a backup generator.
During a power outage
- Avoid downed power lines, including anything near downed lines, at all costs.
- Stay clear of fire personnel and utility crews working to restore service in your community.
- Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles or other potential fire hazards.
- Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer to help avoid a surge to the system when service is restored. After turning off all the lights, turn one light on to know when power has been restored.
- Use generators safely – Do not run the generator inside the home or garage or anywhere near a window or vent, as these spaces can capture deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Learn more about proper use of a generatorto avoid hazardous conditions.
- Check on elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who might need additional assistance.
- Call your electricity service provider to report an outage; do not call 911.
Natural gas tips
- If required to evacuate, no need to shut off natural gas.
- If natural gas appliances do not operate properly once electricity is restored, call your natural gas service provider.
- If natural gas service is shut off, do not turn on yourself. Call your natural gas service provider to restore service.
- If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911.
Stay informed and Be Prepared
- The best preparation is to not start a fire in the first place. VisitKeep Oregon Green’s website to learn more about how you can prevent wildfires.
- 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.
- VisitOregon Alertto find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts.
- Before traveling visit Trip Check for details on road closures and conditions.
- Check air qualityin Oregon.
- Visit State of Oregon Fires Dashboard
- Be2 Weeks Readyby preparing an emergency plan and enough supplies to sustain your household for at least two weeks after a disaster.
Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card
Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.
(SALEM, Ore.) – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.
“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”
Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks websiteto find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.
“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.
Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon.
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