The Oregon State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $6 million to 180 local fire agencies through the 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. The funding will help agencies add seasonal firefighters or additional shift coverage through October as Oregon prepares for the upcoming wildfire season.

A 75-year-old motorcyclist was injured Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on Old Millican Road in Lake County, about two miles from the Deschutes County line. The rider received medical care at the scene before being transferred to Life Flight Network for transport to a higher level of care.

The Oregon Department of Forestry has added a new multi-mission aircraft designed to improve wildfire detection, night operations, and all-hazards emergency response. Officials say the Twin Otter-based platform includes AI-enabled mapping, thermal imaging, and the ability to detect new fire starts earlier — even during overnight operations.

A toxic chemical spill in Dorris, California triggered a shelter-in-place order, highway closure, and emergency response as crews worked to neutralize paraquat, a highly dangerous herbicide. Officials say the scene is now safe, but caution remains in effect.

Fire crews in Redmond quickly contained a garage fire Saturday evening after gasoline vapors ignited near a propane heater, preventing the blaze from spreading into the home. All residents and pets escaped safely, and no injuries were reported.

A Lane County deputy and a nearby resident rescued an injured passenger from a burning vehicle after a rollover crash on Crow Road. The driver was later arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.

A next-generation 767 Very Large Airtanker program is being developed to replace aging widebody firefighting aircraft and expand long-term wildfire suppression capacity.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has activated the State Emergency Coordination Center to Level 3 in response to an incoming atmospheric river expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, and landslide risks across western Oregon.

Klamath County Fire District 1 recognized firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs for their rapid response during a November 14 structure fire, where crews rescued a trapped resident within minutes under hazardous conditions.

Governor Tina Kotek has announced that philanthropic partners in the Oregon Disaster Funders Network have matched the state’s $6 million investment in hunger relief, identifying more than $6.4 million to support food banks, pantries, and community organizations statewide. The partnership expands resources identified through the Governor’s emergency food order.

Fire crews from Castella, Dunsmuir, Mount Shasta, Weed, and CAL FIRE Siskiyou worked together to extinguish a house fire on Castella Loop Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.