Author: KTVZ

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon is hosting three community enrollment events in August to help families register for after-school programming. The events are scheduled to take place in Bend and La Pine between Aug. 11 and Aug. 13.

Families attending the events can meet club staff, ask questions about programming and complete enrollment for the upcoming school year. The organization is also opening its newest club location in La Pine to expand services for youth in south Deschutes County.

The sessions in Bend will take place at Orchard Park, located at 2001 NE 6th St., and Al Moody Park at 2225 NE Daggett Ln. The La Pine event is scheduled for the La Pine Parks & Recreation facility at 16405 1st St. All three events will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The after-school program is designed for school-aged youth and includes access to healthy meals, snacks and homework help. Participants can also engage in sports, recreation, arts, STEM and leadership programs with adult mentors.

Financial assistance is available for families through the support of community partners and donors. Staff will be available at the events to answer questions regarding transportation, membership and these assistance programs to ensure all children have the opportunity to attend.

Families can learn more and complete registration online at www.bgcco.org. Enrollment assistance will also be provided on-site during the community events in Bend and La Pine.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs declared a state of emergency recently after the Bench and Beachcomb fires merged, consuming more than 60,000 acres. At least six homes have been destroyed by the wildfires in the Warm Springs area.

The crisis on the reservation comes as more than 1 million acres have burned across Oregon in recent weeks. Thousands of firefighters from across the state, the nation and other countries have traveled to Oregon to battle the ongoing blazes.

Tribal communities face different logistical struggles during disasters than other municipalities due to tribal sovereignty. Because of this legal status, emergency responses for the tribes are coordinated through the federal government rather than the state.

The community is currently experiencing a significant shortage of food and water as officials work to manage the fires. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies have been engaged to provide equipment and funding to the region.

Edward Henderson, CEO of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, said the emergency declaration was a necessary step to coordinate with federal resources. “That allowed us to reach out to the federal government side, FEMA and other agencies,” Henderson said. Henderson noted that tribal officials are still evaluating specific requirements while actively fighting the blaze. “What things will we shy, what funding, what equipment, what was our needs in order to fight the fire?” Henderson said. “Because because again, we’re still in the middle of fighting the fire. And then so that was very nice to hear that.”

The community currently faces a significant shortage of daily essentials, including food, water and clothing. Henderson said the tribes are seeking immediate relief as well as assistance for families who lost their homes and belongings. “We need, like the short term food, water and things like that and then trying to lean forward a little bit and look for the long term stuff for the people that lost their house in their homes, you know, beds, bedding, clothes, things like that,” Henderson said.

Environmental and cultural impacts are also a major concern for tribal members. Henderson explained that the fire has destroyed areas used for gathering traditional foods on the southern end of the reservation. “That’s that’s part of the weight that the tribal members carry, especially out on the south end where there were first foods out there that are now no longer harvestable that burnt, gone,” Henderson said.

The fires have also damaged the tribes’ primary revenue sources. Unlike many cities, the reservation does not have a tax base and relies on harvesting timber and generating hydro power from a local dam. Henderson described watching the fire move toward the timber as a significant blow to the community’s economic stability. “And then just watching the fire go west now toward the timber. You know, as you know, this reservation, this town does not we don’t have a tax base. So we rely solely on revenues, whether it’s the hydro dam and the power or the harvesting of the timber,” Henderson said. “And so watching that burn up is kind of a to do.”

Community members have begun fundraising efforts to support Warm Springs and alleviate the shortages of food and water.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ News is broadcasting live from the 106th annual Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo tonight. KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday will take viewers through what’s happening at this year’s fair, highlighting the local traditions, rodeo action and community events that make it Central Oregon’s largest annual gathering. 

Fair opens with America’s 250th tribute 

The fair runs Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. Opening day hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a special America’s 250th opening ceremony tribute scheduled today (Wednesday) at 6 p.m. The event marks the 106th edition of Oregon’s largest county fair and a key summertime tradition for Redmond and communities across Central Oregon. 

What to expect 

This year’s fair features a full championship rodeo, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, agricultural competitions and live concerts as part of the Free Summer Concert Series. Rodeo performances take place nightly inside the First Interstate Bank Center, with grand entry at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by a Sunday afternoon high school “Hooker Creek Duel in the Desert” showdown. 

General admission tickets include free concert and rodeo seating, with daily gates open from 11 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. depending on the night. Adult admission is $16, with additional options for unlimited carnival ride wristbands and VIP concert viewing. 

Live coverage 

KTVZ’s live coverage with Tracee Tuesday will air during the 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts on the local Fox and NBC affiliates today. The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo will continue through Sunday, Aug. 2. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Senator Merkley)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three federal grants are helping Oregon cover wildfire costs, but US Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) says a change in FEMA’s process is leaving other fires without the same help.

Across Oregon, more than 1.75 million acres have burned this season, and nearly 5,000 residents are under evacuation orders.

FEMA has approved grants for the Akawa Butte, Grasshopper, and Lower Dry Creek fires, making federal funding available for up to 75% of firefighting expenses. But two other requests were denied, including one for the massive Rowe Creek Complex.

Merkley said the issue is not whether the fires are serious, but whether FEMA’s process is moving fast enough.

“In the past, it was a simple process. We, state of Oregon, call up and say, ‘look, we’ve got more than 150 families on evacuation level three, which means go now, and we need the funds, need the help.’ FEMA is now not operating in that same mode. There’s kind of a multi-day process,” Merkley told KTVZ News.

He said that delay can erase the conditions that would have qualified a fire for federal help.

“During that delay, evacuation numbers can fall below FEMA’s threshold,” Merkley said.

He said he is working with Homeland Security to close that gap and restore a faster response.

Merkley also said more upfront forest management could reduce the severity of future fires.

“What we’ve been trying to do is get a lot more basic forest management. If you think back to the Milli fire, when it was bearing down on Sisters a couple of years ago, when it reached that area where there had been this prescribed burns and the thinning, it slowed way down. It saved Sisters, and that’s what we want to do whenever possible,” Merkley said.

On the insurance front, Merkley said he wants homeowners who reduce wildfire risk around their properties to see savings.

“Basically, programs that certify that a home has been created with defensible space, then qualify that home for subsidized insurance,” Merkley added.

He also urged Oregonians to support displaced families and thank the firefighters working across the state.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, the City of Bend is working on several street preservation projects.

This week, they’re chipsealing some busy streets, including Mt. Washington Drive, Olney and Revere avenues, and Purcell Boulevard.

Brosterhous Road from the railroad undercrossing to Windsor Drive is now closed for construction on the Azalia and Windsor Septic to Sewer Project. Crews will install a new sewer main along a section of Brosterhous. The closure is expected to wrap up prior to school starting in early September. Detours are in place throughout the closure.

You can learn more at bendoregon.gov.

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire officials announced tonight that the Akawa Butte Fire is 10% contained and now fully surrounded by hand lines and dozer lines. The update was provided during a community meeting held in Sisters earlier this evening, where officials reported the containment level had doubled in just a few hours.

The progress on the Akawa Butte Fire follows extensive efforts, including battling a wall of fire six miles wide. Thousands of firefighters, some from across the state, country and internationally, have contributed to these efforts. The hard work has led to some fire evacuations being reduced, allowing residents to reenter their homes.

Steve Chapman, an official with the OSFM Red Team, provided details regarding the deployment and reassignment of fire personnel. He stated that one task force would continue working through the night. “We have one more task force out tonight,” Chapman said. “They’re going to be out there till about two in the morning and then we’re going to demoed them and send them home so they can get some rest. Tomorrow we’re going to have our last two task forces on this fire. And our team is going to be moving. But our last two task forces are going to work tomorrow until about five in the evening, finish off their shift and then they’re going to go up to the Bench Fire.” A highlight of the meeting was when fire officials received a standing ovation from the audience upon confirming that no firefighters have been seriously injured in the blaze. With the progress made, some crews are being pulled from the Akawa Butte Fire and reassigned to other blazes in the region, including the Bench Fire.

The remaining two task forces assigned to the Akawa Butte Fire are expected to complete their shifts tomorrow until about 5 p.m., after which they will be reassigned to the Bench Fire.

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Claire Elmer

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Multiple wildfires burning near Prineville have merged into a larger fire now being called the Crosswhite West Fire.

The Crosswhite, Brewer, Box Springs, and Green Mountain fires are now being managed together as part of the Rowe Creek Complex West Zone. Officials say the combined fire is burning over a quarter-million acres.

Derek Gasperini, public information officer with the Oregon Department of Forestry, said the extreme fire conditions in Central Oregon played a major role in driving the fires together.

“Under the extreme fire conditions that we’ve had — driven by red flag weather, high winds, high temperatures, low relative humidity, and over 10,000 lightning strikes in the last week here in Central Oregon — [these] fires merged into the Crosswhite Fire,” Gasperini said.

With the fires forming one larger footprint, crews are focused on holding control lines and protecting neighborhoods, roads and natural resources.

“We had to kind of reassess and reevaluate how we were able to suppress and contain these emerging fires with really active fire behavior. Again, our first priority is always life and property,” Gasperini added.

Firefighters are mopping up cooler areas while working to secure the southern edge north of Prineville. Helicopters are also helping from the air with bucket drops, when weather allows.

“We’ve got helicopters that are picking up water and dropping to cool those hotspots, so our hand crews and dozer crews can scratch fire line on the ground. That really starts to build containment of these fires,” Gasperini said.

The fire’s scale and proximity have left some longtime residents anxious. Andrea White, a Prineville resident for over 20 years, said the fire has been difficult to watch.

“It’s really sad to see our woods burn down and all the wildlife, all these people just scared, terrified to lose their homes. You worry constantly, like on a daily basis. It’s really scary,” White said.

Though nerves are running high for some Crook County residents, the community’s gratitude for fire crews is clear.

“These firefighters, they are doing amazing. They are doing such good jobs. I’m so proud of all of them and so thankful for all of their help,” White added.

Officials say evacuations and road closures can change quickly, and residents should continue to follow county alerts and avoid anything that could spark another fire.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on July 29th, 2026, in solemn remembrance of U.S. Navy Commander Gabriel Edwards. Commander Edwards died on July 1st, 2026, following an emergency helicopter landing in the Arabian Sea.

Commander Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, dedicated nearly two decades to military service. His career began after he graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006.

Edwards was commissioned through the Naval ROTC after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Norfolk State University. He earned his aviator “Wings of Gold” in 2008 as a helicopter pilot.

Commander Edwards served with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 (HSC-22), known as the “Sea Knights.” His service was recognized with several awards for his contributions to multiple elite units.

His assignments included HSC-84, the “Red Wolves;” Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) four as the air-to-ground fires office and Joint Terminal Attack Controller; and HSC-85, the “Firehawks.” He assumed command of HSC-5, the “Nightdippers,” in July 2025.

Governor Kotek extended condolences to Commander Edwards’ family. “On behalf of the people of Oregon, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Commander Edwards, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Gov. Kotek said. “Commander Edwards embodied the highest ideals of duty, honor and courage during his nearly two decades of service.”

The flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on July 29, 2026.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — The Akawa Butte Fire remains active as of July 28, 2026, with crews continuing mop-up operations today to identify and extinguish hot spots. A community meeting will be held tonight, Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sisters High School Auditorium to provide updates to the public.

Firefighters used handheld infrared detection equipment along the northern edge of the fire area overnight to locate and mark heat sources. These hot spots will be extinguished as part of ongoing mop-up operations in Sisters, Ore.

Structural protection crews have established 200-foot buffers around residences and other structures within the fire area. These crews will continue to monitor and patrol residential areas while supporting wildland firefighting efforts.

Resources from the Oregon State Fire Marshal continue to be reassigned to assist with other wildfires, including the nearby Bench Fire.

Work on contingency lines, designed as a secondary defense in case the fire breaches primary containment lines, is nearly completed.

The public is urged to exercise caution while driving in the region due to increased fire activity and the presence of heavy fire equipment. Closed areas and existing evacuation orders are in place to ensure public and firefighter safety.

Elevated fire weather conditions, characterized by hot, dry and breezy conditions, are forecast to continue throughout the week.

Evacuation orders are issued by the respective county sheriff’s offices. Evacuation centers are available at Sisters High School for people and at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds for large animals.

The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have implemented closures in and around the fire area. Information on these closures, including those for Deschutes National Forest and Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland, is available on their respective websites.

Air quality information and a two-day smoke outlook are available via fire.airnow.gov and outlooks.airfire.org.

The community meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. will be live-streamed on the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Facebook Page and later posted on YouTube. Updated information on evacuations and closures is available through the Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices websites.

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Kelsey Merison

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore.(KTVZ) — Crews from Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue responded to a reported vehicle fire Monday evening and worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and ensure the scene was safe.

The agency offered a reminder to stay alert while driving: if you notice smoke or flames coming from a vehicle, pull over to a safe location, move everyone away from the vehicle, and call 911 immediately.

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