The National Interagency Fire Center’s June outlook shows above-normal significant wildland fire potential across Northern California and parts of the Northwest, with the risk expanding across Oregon as summer progresses. The forecast does not predict specific fires, but it signals a greater-than-usual likelihood of significant wildfires during the June through September outlook period.

A fireworks show is tentatively planned for Lake of the Woods on July 4, 2026, after the Lake of the Woods Homeowners Association signed a contract with a vendor for the event. Organizers say the show remains dependent on fire conditions, weather and Forest Service guidance.

An 84-year-old man has been arrested after a fatal shooting early Friday morning in the 500 block of Market Street in Klamath Falls. Police said the victim later died at Sky Lakes Medical Center, and detectives found discrepancies between the suspect’s initial account and evidence gathered during the investigation.

Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use advisory for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge after cyanotoxins were detected above recreational use values. Visitors are urged to avoid swimming, high-speed boating and water spray in areas where blooms are present.

A vacant structure near Oregon Highway 39 and Roberta Drive in Klamath Falls was destroyed in an overnight fire Thursday, according to Klamath County Fire District 1. Fire officials said crews encountered heavy fire throughout the building and later shifted to a defensive strategy because of fire conditions and structural instability.

Klamath Project irrigators have an upcoming opportunity to learn more about 2026 drought relief programs during a Friday workshop at the Klamath Water Users Association office in Klamath Falls. Applications for the programs are due by 5 p.m. June 15.

Greater Klamath CityFest returns to Klamath Falls on Saturday, May 30, bringing free family activities, action sports demonstrations, live music, worship and a Ryan Stevenson concert to downtown Main Street and Veterans Park.

Benefit for the Basin returns Saturday, May 30, at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, bringing together a car show, vendors, family activities and dinner in support of youth, education, community programs and the fairgrounds.

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Leadership Klamath program through the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce. The long-running program connects emerging and established leaders with monthly sessions focused on government, education, economic development, healthcare, natural resources, public safety and community engagement.

Klamath County Fire District 1 has closed all open burning within its district boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions. The closure applies to Klamath Falls and surrounding areas, while barbecues, cooking appliances, and certain contained fire pits remain allowed under specific safety rules.

The 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field says it will be unable to conduct requested flyovers until late 2027 while the base moves through its aircraft conversion process. The wing’s last F-15 Eagle departed in December 2025, and F-35A Lightning II aircraft are projected to arrive in August 2027, pending final Department of the Air Force approval.

Klamath Trails Alliance volunteers, working with the U.S. Forest Service Fremont-Winema National Forest, have reopened a 600-foot connector trail near Lake of the Woods. The High-Rye Connector links the High Lakes Trail with the Rye Spur Trail and Billie Creek Nature Loop near Highway 140.

Unofficial Wednesday morning election results show Steve Bitzer appearing to win the Klamath County Commissioner Position 2 race outright, while Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 and several major statewide races moved toward November matchups.

Henley fourth-graders built their own birdhouses last week with help from middle and high school construction students, turning a hands-on shop project into a cross-grade learning experience.

Fire season will officially begin Friday, May 22, in Klamath and Lake counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District and partner agencies are moving into coordinated fire season operations, with Moderate fire danger and IFPL I restrictions taking effect.

More than $26.4 million in new state shelter funding has been awarded to regional coordinators serving Southern Oregon, the South Coast, and Central Oregon. The awards are part of more than $102 million announced statewide through Oregon’s Statewide Shelter Program.

A Klamath Falls man died Thursday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash on South 6th Street near the intersection with Wiard Street. Oregon State Police says one other driver was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center with minor injuries, while a third driver was reportedly not injured.

Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighters stopped a residential fire from fully spreading to a neighboring home Friday afternoon in the 800 block of California Avenue. The primary residence sustained extensive fire and smoke damage, while the adjacent home was damaged by radiant heat and fire exposure.

A Klamath Falls coffee business has been named the Portland District SBA Rural Business of the Year, marking the first time the award has been presented to a rural business in Oregon. Owners Carly and Ryan Lynch were honored during a ceremony at their Spring Street location and credited the Klamath Community College Small Business Development Center for helping them build and grow the business.

Klamath County is now under a state drought emergency after Governor Tina Kotek declared emergency status for Klamath, Coos, and Wheeler counties. State officials say 70% of Klamath County is in moderate to severe drought, while the Klamath Basin’s snow water equivalent was reported at just 4% of normal in late April.