Fielder Mountain Fire at 38% Containment, Critical Weather Expected

Firefighters tackling the Fielder Mountain Fire continue to push mop-up activities deeper into the interior of the blaze, securing the perimeter and increasing containment to 38%. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports evacuations were canceled Monday, and mop-up has reached a depth of more than 100 feet into the fire perimeter across the area. That increases to 300 feet surrounding residences and other structures. Firefighters are using infra-red technology to identify areas of heat which may not be visible on the surface, such as burning roots. Critical weather conditions are expected today with temperatures in the low 90’s, humidity in the teens to mid-20’s, and increased winds with gusts to 15 MPH. Structure assessment determined that, during the initial attack, two outbuildings sustained minor damage and one outbuilding was destroyed. ...Read more

Fatal Crash Reported on Coyote Creek Road
The 911 Dispatch Center received a report Monday around 2:08 p.m. of a fatal vehicle crash in the 2500 block of Coyote Creek Road. First responders arrived and located a single vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a large tree. The driver, identified as Mark Freeland, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling outbound on Coyote Creek Road when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway and collided with the tree. Next of kin has been notified. No further information is available at this time. ...Read more

SVU Detectives Arrest Medford Man, Believe Suspect Has More Victims
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives arrested a Medford man yesterday at a business in the 500 block of the Medford Center. The suspect, Evan James Sutherlin, 20, of Medford, is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. He is charged with First-Degree Rape, Third-Degree Sexual Abuse, and First-Degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse. The case started June 2nd, 2026, when deputies responded to a report of a then 19-year-old man sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in the Jacksonville area. From there, SVU detectives took over the investigation leading to his arrest. As SVU detectives continue their investigation, they believe Sutherlin may have more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call SVU Detective Jill Wenzel at 541-770-8928. ...Read more