Final Anderson Butte Road Fire Shows 50% Containment

Containment on the Anderson Butte Road Fire has increased to 50% following another day of hard work by firefighters. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the fire remains at 78 acres, with all control lines holding as crews continue to secure the perimeter and extinguish remaining heat. Firefighters have now completed mop-up approximately 200 feet inward from the perimeter, further securing the fire’s edge. Snagging operations have also been completed throughout the areas crews have been able to safely access. Some smoke remains visible in the interior of the fire, particularly in a steep drainage where heavy concentrations of hazardous trees make access difficult. Crews continue to assess these areas and address remaining heat where they can do so safely. ...Read more

Teen Arrested after Rollover Car Crash Kills Passenger, Sparks East Evans Creek Fire

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 17-year-old driver Friday, September 18th, following a vehicle crash that killed his passenger and sparked the 15,000-acre East Evans Creek Fire. The 18-year-old male passenger in the involved 2002 Ford Ranger died July 18th at a local hospital from injuries sustained in the crash. The suspect, a 17-year-old male, is charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide, Reckless Driving, and Second-Degree Criminal mischief. Deputies lodged the suspect in the Jackson County Juvenile Detention facility. Friday, July 10th at 2:39 p.m., dispatch received a call for a rollover motor vehicle crash in the 18,000 block of East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River. An Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District Type 6 engine with a two-person crew was on patrol in the area and was on scene within approximately 30 seconds. The crew rendered aid, while simultaneously engaging in suppression efforts on the fire. They immediately ordered additional air and ground resources from ODF dispatch, initiating a full response to the incident. Within minutes the fire had spread to dry vegetation in the area leading to evacuation of nearby residences and eventually growing to more than 15,000 acres. ...Read more

JoCo Sheriff's Office Seeking Public's Help in Locating Missing Woman

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing woman. Tabatha Jones was last seen near Three Rivers Medical Center September 17th, 2026. Her direction of travel is unknown, however she had been staying in the Cave Junction area. It is unknown if she's with her vehicle, but she has a tan early 2000's Toyota Camry with the grill missing. Tabatha is described as a 47-year-old 5'8" Caucasian woman with brown hair, brown eyes, and weighing 150 pounds. She has a nose piercing and tattoos on her arm and neck. It is possible she has dyed her hair red. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #26-25832. ...Read more