Category: ktvz-local-news

Spencer Sacks

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Saturday, for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires, which are actively burning in Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This action was taken as hot, dry weather and strong, shifting winds have caused the fires to grow significantly, threatening nearby communities.

The invocation of the act enables the Oregon State Fire Marshal to assign its Red Incident Management Team and several task forces to the fires. These resources will work alongside wildland partners to protect nearby communities and critical infrastructure. This marks the fifth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2026.

Hot, dry weather and strong, shifting winds created difficult firefighting conditions across Central Oregon Friday. Conditions will continue to be hot and dry today, Saturday, with light winds expected in the morning that are predicted to increase in the afternoon. Deschutes and Jefferson County sheriff’s offices have levels 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place for affected areas.

State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple commented on the ongoing challenges. “The conditions we’re seeing across Oregon have challenged firefighters for the past week and the current forecast isn’t providing much relief,” Ruiz-Temple said. “I’m urging every Oregonian to be wildfire aware and to sign up for their county’s emergency alerts. Know the evacuation levels and follow them if they are issued.”

The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team will operate in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Team 2. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is posting updates on incidents where it has resources assigned on osfminfo.org. Oregonians can also sign up for emergency alerts at oralert.gov.

Fire managers expect challenging, wind-driven fire activity later today, Saturday. Those looking for evacuation information should follow their local sheriff’s office.

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted a shredding event, drawing close to 200 cars to safely dispose of hundreds of boxes of documents. The initiative aimed to prevent identity theft and offer a valuable public service to the community.

During the event, participants dropped off documents and more than 15 flags were collected for proper disposal, alongside several donations of canned goods. This community outreach is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s broader effort to provide services beyond traditional law enforcement.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, between 14 and 24 million Americans become victims of identity theft annually.

Identity theft can manifest in various forms, including online phishing, impersonations, or the unauthorized use of stolen documents. Thieves can also search through discarded garbage for personal information, making secure document disposal crucial for residents.

Lt. John Jernigan, with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, highlighted the importance of these events. “The SHRED events important gives us an opportunity to work with the public. Help prevent identity theft,” Jernigan said. He added, “It makes us feel good. It’s an opportunity for us as an organization to provide additional services to the public, above and beyond law enforcement.”

Rob Overstreet, a resident of Sisters, underscored the convenience and value of the service for residents. “This is just an incredible opportunity to get rid of some old documents,” Overstreet said. He noted that people often keep documents for longer than necessary and these events provide an easy solution.

Pat Coffey, a resident of Redmond, emphasized the security provided by having law enforcement agencies facilitate the shredding. “We come from an area that has shredding services you pay for, but there aren’t those kinds of services here,” Coffey said. “So to have the the the law enforcement agencies providing this provides a level of security that we just wouldn’t find anywhere else.”

The shredding process happens on site and is handled by Republic Services. The drop-off process for each car lasts only a few minutes, which can help prevent more significant issues related to identity theft.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office hosts these shredding events four times a year. Residents are encouraged to be on the lookout for announcements regarding future events.

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Spencer Sacks

KTVZ News has learned evacuations are underway in Wheeler County due to multiple wildfires.

From Central Oregon Fire:

Central Oregon —  The Central Oregon Type 3 Team took command of the Rowe Creek Complex yesterday at 6 p.m. The Complex includes approximately seven fires including Crosswhite, Camel Hump, Red Rock and Twickenham Fires that ignited when a lightning storm passed over the Twickenham area on Wednesday, July 15.

Firefighters worked through the night protecting homes along Rowe Creek Road. With limited resources on scene, efforts are primarily focused on protecting homes and other key infrastructure until additional resources arrive. Wind, high temperatures and steep terrain challenged the efforts, with similar conditions expected today. The fires are burning in a mix of light, grassy fuels with heavy pockets of juniper and timber. The area received little rain with the thunderstorm and conditions remain very dry.

Federal and contracted resources will continue to be assisted by the Twickenham Rural Fire Protection Association and Wheeler County Fire and Rescue. A structure group from the Oregon State Fire Marshall is also on scene assisting with home protection. A complex incident management team has been ordered and is expected to arrive today to take command of this group of fires on Saturday.

Due to the large number of significant wildfires in Wheeler, Gilliam, Sherman and Jefferson counties, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning to implement a closure of public land today that will cover all BLM-administered land along both sides of the John Day River, from Service Creek north to the Columbia River. This closure is expected to go into effect by noon today. Additional closures may also be implemented for portions of public lands in Crook County in response to wildfires burning east of Prineville. BLM closure information can be found at blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Firefighters are stretched thin responding to the significant number of wildfires burning across five counties in Central Oregon. Visitors and residents are asked to take extreme care as resources are needed to respond to these fires instead of new human-caused ignitions. Fire restrictions are in place around Central Oregon and campfires are not allowed in most areas. Know before you go – call ahead and find out the restrictions for any area you plan to visit.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Kelsey Merison

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — On July 15th, 2026, Oregon State Police arrested Gregory Adam Polanski, 43, after he struck two Oregon Department of Transportation workers on a closed Interstate 84 off-ramp in Hood River and then left the scene. Polanski was booked into the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR) on charges including reckless driving and recklessly endangering highway workers.

The incident occurred on the Exit 64 eastbound off-ramp, which was closed for a commercial motor vehicle crash removal.

At approximately 4:10 a.m., Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews had closed the Exit 64 eastbound off-ramp in Hood River. Despite the closure, Polanski entered the off-ramp in a white Porsche and told workers he needed to take the exit to get to work.

As the Porsche drove through the closure, it struck two ODOT workers who were staffing the area. Neither worker was injured and both declined medical treatment.

Polanski, a resident of Hood River, left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers located Polanski’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at approximately 5:46 p.m.

He was arrested and booked into NORCOR on charges of reckless driving, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and recklessly endangering highway workers.

OSP reminds motorists that highway work zones are in place to protect both workers and the traveling public. Drivers are required to obey traffic control devices, road closures and directions from roadway workers.

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Spencer Sacks

Aright fishin’ friends, get your rods and reels ready!  it’s time for Big Ol’ Fish.

Dane Krueger who went fishing in the depoe bay. He reeled in a nice looking king salmon for dinner. 

Rick Ham who caught an absolute monster 13 pound 28 inch monster brown trout from wickiup reservoir.

Andrew Hickman caught this impressive german brown trout.

Its a fintastic day to be a fisherman but a bad day to be a trout

Last but not least, Glenn Nygard caught this rainbow trout in a secret fishing spot.

Some real monsters this week caught by our viewers.

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Spencer Sacks

UPDATE: Watch Duty – A Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation has been issued for Zone CRR-7S-M. A Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation has been issued for Zone CRR-7S-N. Per the Genasys Evacuation Map. These zones are also visible on the Watch Duty map.

The fire has jumped SE Newsome Creek Road and is traveling east.  Please pay attention to your surroundings.

A shelter is available at Eastside Church in Prineville located at 3174 NE 3rd St, Prineville, OR 97754, per Crook County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook. Those in need of any assistance as a result of the evacuation can go to that church.

UPDATE: Watch Duty – Level 3 – GO NOW – Evacuate immediately from SE Conant Basin Road east to SE Newsome Creek Road, from Paulina Highway south. Wildfire Alert from Crook County Sheriff’s Office: Level 3 – GO NOW – Evacuate immediately! – Per a Wireless Emergency Alert from Alert Crook County via PBS Warn.

UPDATE: Watch Duty – Firefighters are responding to the Coyote Fire, burning in Crook County. The fire is burning southeast of the Pilot Fire. Right now, the fire is 300 acres.

UPDATE: Watch Duty – Air Attack is on scene and dropping retardant. Helicopters are also dropping water. More resources are in route. So far there are no changes to the LEVEL 1 evacuation notice, per Crook County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — LEVEL 1 BE READY evacuation notice has been issued for the area of SE Paulina Hwy from milepost 12 south to approximately milepost 14 for the east side of the highway according to the Crook County Sheriffs Office.

The Pilot fire is up to 25 acres according to watch duty as air assets attack the fire.

This is a developing story. Stay with the digital platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates.

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Lance Campbell

BEND, Ore. — A nationwide blood shortage is raising concerns in Central Oregon, where hospitals depend on a steady supply of donated blood to treat patients every day.

The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give blood as it works to rebuild the national blood supply.

When someone needs blood after a serious crash, during surgery or while undergoing cancer treatment, hospitals depend on donations that were made days or even weeks earlier. Health officials say maintaining a steady blood supply depends on people donating before an emergency happens.

The American Red Cross recently declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage comes during the busy summer trauma season, when hospitals often see an increase in serious injuries and other medical emergencies.

While the shortage is being felt nationwide, hospitals in Central Oregon work with regional blood suppliers to ensure patients have access to the blood products they need for traumatic injuries, surgeries, cancer treatment and other medical emergencies.

“We support 63 hospitals with blood products here in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jen Shaw, donor recruitment supervisor for the American Red Cross. “Summer is traditionally a slower time for donations as schools are out, people are traveling and regular routines change.”

Those seasonal declines can leave hospitals with fewer available donations even as the need for blood remains constant.

Blood collection tubes used during the donation process.

Unlike many medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets last only five days, making regular donations critical to maintaining an adequate supply.

St. Charles Health System officials said they continue working closely with regional blood suppliers to help ensure patients receive the blood they need while encouraging eligible community members to donate.

“The blood is there because somebody decided to donate before it was needed,” Shaw said.

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross website or the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

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Adrielle Hasara

Wheeler County, ORE. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon experienced widespread lightning activity yesterday, July 15, 2026, with more than 2,000 strikes initiating more than 50 wildfires across areas managed by Central Oregon Fire Management Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry. The highest concentration of these fires is in Wheeler County, including the Crosswhite Fire, which spans 1,500-2,000 acres and has prompted evacuations.

These numerous fire starts occurred as storm cells passed through the region on July 15, 2026. Resources anticipate locating additional fires today as fuels dry out from the rain associated with these storms.

The Crosswhite Fire, located northwest of Twickenham, is approximately 1,500-2,000 acres. Structures are threatened and evacuations are in place for this incident. Southwest of Fossil and one mile east of the John Day Fossil Beds, the Cove Creek Fire is 1,000-2,000 acres. This fire threatens a number of outbuildings and residences, but no evacuations are currently in place. The Hopkins Fire, situated northwest of Condon, spans approximately 5,000 acres as of this morning. Some structures and infrastructure are threatened, though no evacuations have been ordered for this fire. Other notable fires in the area include the Twickingham Fire, the Camel Hump Fire, the Red Rock Fire and the Porcupine Fire. Each of these fires is under full suppression and is located in remote areas with no structures threatened. Interagency fire crews are actively working toward containment of these incidents, deploying a mix of engines, hand crews, dozers, overhead personnel and aircraft. The safety of firefighters and the public remains the highest priority during these events. For fire information, the public can call the info line at 541-316-7711.

Resources expect to find more fire starts today as fuels dry from the accompanying rain. For additional information and updates on wildfires, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — The Bend Police Department is seeking applications from community members to serve on its Police Chief’s Advisory Council. Applications for the council must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29.

The Police Chief’s Advisory Council, which was rebooted in 2022, aims to build and maintain trust between the Bend community and the Police Department. The council is designed to include as many as 20 community members, reflecting the diverse life experiences within Bend.

The Police Chief’s Advisory Council fulfills three critical missions for the department. It advises the Chief of Police and the Police Department on various issues from the community’s perspective. The council also acts as a communication channel between community networks and law enforcement. Additionally, it works to enhance trust between residents and the law enforcement agencies that serve them.

Members of the council will serve two-year terms. While the Chief of Police has the discretion to reappoint members for additional terms, members generally do not serve more than one single two-year term. The Chief of Police will select members based on their integrity, commitment to the community and demonstrated ability to act as a communication channel to community networks.

Meetings for the council will typically be held one evening per month, primarily on the fourth Wednesday. These meetings are expected to run for 90 minutes to 2 hours and regular attendance is required. In addition to meetings, members are expected to attend the Community Academy and participate in at least one ride-along with a police officer.

Community members interested in serving on the Police Chief’s Advisory Council must submit their applications by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. More information about the council is available on the Bend Police Department website.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From questions regarding the amount of cannabis dispensaries allowed within city limits to reports of illegal firework usage over the 4th of July weekend, Mayor Ed Fitch answers viewer-submitted questions for this month’s Ask the Mayor.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Fitch at any time as part of our monthly segment – just click here.

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