Southern Oregon
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A hint of future fire seasons, as Southern Oregon emerges from the ashes of 2020
In September, the Almeda Drive fire left unprecedented destruction in the Southern Oregon towns of Phoenix and Talent. While wildfires are nothing new here, the level of urban destruction was striking. And the Almeda Fire offers lessons about future fire risks to other communities in Oregon.
Jackson County to pay consulting firm to study response to Oregon wildfires
The lack of notification to evacuees as well as the lack of communication with media outlets throughout this summer's disasters are just some of the items a private consulting firm will be paid $43,958.80 to review for Jackson County, Oregon.

Ashland’s independent retailers bank on local support this holiday season
Retailers are facing the first holiday season since the COVID-19 pandemic began 10 months ago. In small towns like Ashland, with many independent retailers, the stakes are especially high.
On-duty Klamath Falls detective accused of using fentanyl, crashing car
A Klamath Falls police detective has been arrested on suspicion of causing a multi-vehicle crash on duty while under the influence of stolen fentanyl.

Klamath Falls doctors grapple with rural coronavirus surge
As COVID-19 cases skyrocketed in Klamath County over the last month, county commissioners criticized some of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown's restrictions on businesses. In response, a large group of medical workers in Klamath Falls urged them to take the virus seriously.

Southern Oregon hospital staff weather ‘siege conditions’ of burnout and stress
For much of the COVID-19 pandemic, our ability to manage the virus was measured by hospital bed space, respirators and personal protective equipment. Now it’s clear that medical staff are the limiting factor. And in Southern Oregon, hospitals and staff are being stretched thin.
Wildfires prompt Oregon to adopt new rules for emergency housing outside urban areas
The Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission eases land-use restrictions following devastating wildfires.

Medford police clear encampment from park, JPR reporter among 11 arrested
The 'tent city' popped up in Hawthorne Park after the Almeda Fire burned a large swath of the Bear Creek Greenway, driving out homeless campers.

Continuing Coverage Of The Shooting In Roseburg
We bring you updates and analysis of Thursday's deadly shooting at Umpqua Community College.

Crews Slow Oregon's Growing Wildfires Despite Conditions
Crews continued to battle wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest under hot conditions.