Oregon could have far fewer firefighters ready to battle blazes on federal lands next fire season — and may do less advance work aimed at mitigating the risk of large fires — due to the Trump administration’s hiring freeze and funding cuts, according to U.S. lawmakers.
Nearly four years ago, in the aftermath of the state’s most destructive wildfires in history, the Oregon Legislature passed a bipartisan package of wildfire prevention initiatives, including one that required state experts to create a map showing high wildfire risk areas statewide. Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, who supported creating the map, said it’s become counterproductive in its current form.
People in Southern Oregon and far Northern California will likely see ongoing changes in weather patterns in coming years, and those changes aren’t necessarily positive. During a Wednesday evening presentation, “Southern Oregon Climate Trends, Projections, and Consequences,” Dr. Alan Journet, co-facilitator of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN), offered a series of possible scenarios if steps are not taken to immediately stop or at least slow climate change.
Oregon fire experts have finalized their redo of state maps of wildfire hazard areas, showing about 106,000 properties in high-risk spots that could be subject to new building and landscape codes.
Several Rogue Valley firefighting agencies are sending reinforcements to Southern California to help battle catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires driven by devilish Santa Ana winds. The contingent includes engines from Illinois Valley, Medford Fire, Ashland Fire & Rescue, Jackson County Fire District 3 and Chiloquin Fire and Rescue.
Gov. Tina Kotek called a special legislative session Thursday to come up with $218 million to pay outstanding balances from the 2024 wildfire season. Lawmakers voted 25-2 in the Senate and 42-2 in the House to pay that bill by sending $191.5 million to the state forestry department and $26.6 million to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
The 2024 fire season cost Oregon emergency response agencies nearly $350 million, and the state leaders are struggling to find a way to cover outstanding bills. Gov. Tina Kotek announced Tuesday that she’ll call a special session of the Legislature on Dec. 12 to appropriate at least $218 million from the state’s general fund to cover remaining fire costs.
The city of Ashland will conduct controlled burns in lower Siskiyou Mountain Park and at the top of Granite Street on Wednesday, Oct. 30, according to a news alert on the city website. The controlled burns are intended to reduce wildfire risk. Smoke from these operations may impact parts of Ashland, including trails in the lower Siskiyou Mountain Park and along Wonder Trail.
After six decades of helping to provide fire protection for his rural community on the flanks of Mount Ashland, lifelong Colestin resident Steve Avgeris has yet to hang up his hose. Nearing a full year since residents of the rural community voted to dissolve the Colestin Rural Fire Protection District — with plans to be annexed by Jackson County Fire District No. 5 just months later — the former chief of the now-defunct district maintains his fire apparatus and still responds to calls for help.
Jackson County Fire District No. 3 board members unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) Oct. 17 that will render much-needed aid — by way of administrative support — to Jackson County Fire District No. 5. Finalization of the IGA comes after months of discussion over how District 3 could provide assistance to its embattled sister district, which serves nearly 23,000 patrons on the south end of the Rogue Valley in Talent, Phoenix and unincorporated Ashland.
Ashland’s hiatus of dry days ends with five straight days with rain showers in the forecast, according to a National Weather Service forecast as of Wednesday evening. Showers are expected during the day Thursday and Friday, in the evening Saturday, night and day Sunday and during Monday’s Presidents Day holiday day.
The city of Ashland’s police volunteer program, which had around 30 volunteers before the COVID pandemic, now has only around 10. Volunteers help put extra eyes on patrol areas such as Lithia Park and the bike path and help manage special events such as parades.
Oregon could have far fewer firefighters ready to battle blazes on federal lands next fire season — and may do less advance work aimed at mitigating the risk of large fires — due to the Trump administration’s hiring freeze and funding cuts, according to U.S. lawmakers.
Catty Corner: When you travel, your cats will (want to) stay home — and here are a few tips for how to keep them safe, comfortable and happy while you’re away.
“Be Gun Smart… Whether or Not You Own a Firearm” is a free public program set for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, in the Gresham Room at the Ashland Public Library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd. The speakers will be Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara and Jackson County Sheriff Nate Sickler.
The Ashland Community Emergency Response Team will offer training on how to offer basic medical aid, including administering naloxone in case of opioid overdoses, on Wednesday evening, Feb. 12. The training is free and open to the public starting at 6 p.m. at Ashland Fire Station No. 1 at 455 Siskiyou Blvd.
(It’s free)