Oregon State Fire Marshal Mobilizes Local Resources to Help Fight Alder Springs Fire

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized local resources to help fight the Alder Springs Fire in Jefferson County. The Alder Springs Fire is burning west of Crooked River Ranch. The wildfire sparked midday Monday on the Crooked River National Grasslands and it grew to more than 1,500 acres by Monday evening. Grants Pass Fire & Rescue deployed its Type 3 engine and three firefighters to the wildfire along with crews from other Southern Oregon fire departments including Medford Fire-Rescue, Ashland Fire-Rescue, Jackson County Fire District #1 and the Illinois Valley Fire District. The local teams left at 5 a.m. Tuesday and they arrived in the afternoon to set up to fight the fire. A total of eight structural task forces from Josephine, Jackson, Douglas, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Lane, Washington and Yamhill counties have been deployed. The State Fire Marshal mobilizes resources through the Emergency Conflagration Act when invoked by the Governor. The Alder Springs Fire is the second conflagration of 2025. ...Read more

Signups Underway for 2025 Grants Pass Citizens Police Academy Participation

It's time to sign up for the 2025 Grants Pass Citizens Police Academy. The Grants Pass Police Department holds a 12-week academy each year. It's designed to educate the public about GPPD and to provide citizens with an interactive opportunity to get to know the officers on a more personal level. Approximately 25 citizens will be allowed to attend on a first-come, first-served basis. The Academy will be held from August 26th to November 11th. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Grants Pass Police Department or the Hillcrest Fire Station. Graduation will take place on Tuesday, November 11th. There will be four optional Saturday classes scheduled including Personal Safety, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and SDS practical application. You can stop by the GPPD Station at 727 NE 7th Street to pick up an application or visit "grantspassoregon.gov/249/Citizens-Police-Academy." ...Read more

Applications Still Available for Two Positions on GP Urban Tree Advisory Committee

Applications are being accepted for two positions on the Grants Pass Urban Tree Advisory Committee. These positions are for two-year terms. The purpose of this committee is to review, develop and implement programs and activities that promote, protect and enhance the urban forest as part of the Tree City USA program through the National Arbor Day Foundation. The special qualification for these positions is an interest in the promotion and enhancement of the urban forest in Grants Pass. Applications are available at the City Administration Office at 101 NW A Street or online at "grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application." Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd. Applications will be reviewed by the committee on Monday, July 14th. Appointments will be made by the Grants Pass City Council on Wednesday, August 6th. ...Read more