Fire Danger Level to Increase to High in Jackson and Josephine Counties

The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high”, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will increase to Level 2 Wednesday, June 17th, at 12:01 a.m. This increase is due to persistent hot temperatures and vegetation that continues to dry across Southwest Oregon. The change affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Thursday affects the public use of power driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, and weed eaters. The use of power driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. This does not apply to mowing green lawns. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, contact the Grants Pass Unit at (541) 474-3152, or the Medford Unit at (541) 664-3328. ...Read more

ODF Continues Fight against Spencer Gulch Fire, Level 1 Order Remains

Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Spencer Gulch Fire despite another round of hot and dry conditions expected throughout the day. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews reported small spot fires and contained them. A hose line has been placed all the way around the fire. The fire has been held at 75 acres while firefighters worked throughout the night. Snag hazards remain a concern and will be addressed throughout the day. Two heavy helicopters, six engines, two water tenders, a dozer, and six 20-person hand crews are working the fire. The plan for today includes continuing the work completed yesterday, making progress on mop-up, and mitigating snags to strengthen containment lines. Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuations remain in place for, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Zones JAC-427, JAC-428, and JAC-436 for a three to five acre fire. ...Read more

Medford Police Arrested 18-Year-Old Following Stabbing on Greenwood Street

Medford Police officers arrested a suspect Friday at approximately 1:03 p.m. following the report of a stabbing that occurred in the 1800 block of Greenwood Street. Officers arrived at the scene and located a 40-year-old male victim on the sidewalk near the residence suffering from an upper arm stab wound. Officers immediately provided medical aid by applying a tourniquet while additional officers made contact with the suspect inside the residence. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Trenton Furrey, was taken into custody without incident. The victim and suspect were determined to be related. Medford detectives assisted with the investigation. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and obtained additional evidence related to the case. Furrey was later transported to the Medford Police Department for an interview. He was then lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of Assault in the First and Second Degree. ...Read more