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

Pacific Power Prepares for Hot Temperatures, Provides Tips for Customers

With high temperatures expected across parts of Oregon and Washington this weekend and early next week, Pacific Power is encouraging customers to prepare for warmer weather. According to a release, Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet peak hour needs during warmer weather, and the company is well positioned to meet customer demand. During hot weather, Pacific Power also takes steps each day to keep electric service reliable for its customers through daily monitoring of substations and circuits that have the highest use and addressing any issues immediately. The demand for electricity typically reaches its highest point on a hot weekday afternoon, generally from about 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when power is needed to operate irrigation systems and air conditioners. Customers can save on power bills by taking some simple steps to reduce energy usage: Switch energy usage to early morning or late evening whenever possible, set the thermostat on central air conditioning at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting, and turn off lights, computers, televisions and appliances when you are not using them. ...Read more