Local Headlines

Buckhorn Blaze Burns Four Thousand Acres

(7/30/10) State fire officials are reporting that the Buckhorn Fire near Clarno has grown to 4,000 acres. The fire is on BLM land in a remote section of the John Day River. As of Thursday night the fire is 60 percent contained. Fire officials expect a full containment of the blaze by Sunday morning.

Fires Near Clarno Burning Over 2-thousand Acres

(7/29/10) The Central Oregon Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Buckhorn Complex. Two fires of approximately 2,200 acres and 100 acres make-up the Buckhorn Complex. Yesterday, the largest fire of the complex burned down to the John Day River and crossed over the river.. The combined acreage is totaling 2,300 acres with an estimated containment of 20 percent. There are no closures at this time however recreation floaters and rafters are asked to be aware that helicopters are taking water from the John Day River and are asked to stay clear of the dip site operations.

QUICK FACTS:

Acres: 2,300
Containment: 20%
Location: 13 miles north of Clarno
Cause: Lightning
Start Date/Time: Reported July 27, 2010, 1148 hrs
Total personnel: 121
Crews: 4, Engines:5, Helicopters: 1- medium, 2-heavy lift, Water tenders: 1

California Man Dies In Car Crash Near Diamond Lake

Oregon State Police (OSP) are continuing the investigation into Wednesday afternoon's single vehicle fatal traffic crash resulting in the death of a Long Beach, California man and critical injuries to a San Diego-area woman near Diamond Lake.Emanual Youngberg, 85 was driving westbound on a straight stretch of Highway 138E when, for an unknown reason, he traveled off the highway and crashed head-on into a tree about 18 feet off the highway.Youngberg was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Jeanine Lucille King, 71, from San Diego was critically injured. Both occupants were using safety restraints and the car's airbags deployed. They were friends traveling together in Oregon. OSP troopers from the Roseburg Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

Judge Says Destruction Of Gold Ray Dam Can Continue

(7/28/10) A controversial fight over the Gold Ray Dam takes another turn as a U.S. District Court judge rules that construction is allowed to resume. The dam owned by Jackson County has had several starts and stops as efforts to remove the structure have been delayed by residents claiming the site has not been properly permitted. On at least one occasion the judge ordered work to cease. County officials are rushing to remove the dam in order to receive millions of federal dollars by a fall deadline. The county contends that the proper documentation is in place. Today District Court Judge Panner ruled in favor of the county and denied an earlier ruling to stop the project. Once the dam is removed the Rogue River will flow unobstructed for 157 miles allowing fish and boaters to use the waterway for recreation purposes.

Neighbor Awakes Family In Burning Home

(7/27/10) A Shady Cove family lost their home to fire early this morning but were able to escape to safety thanks to a neighbor waking them up in the middle of the night. A little after 2 am this morning Mark Rainey, his wife and son were sound sleep when they heard someone pounding on the door. That sound turned out to be a neighbor who was desperately trying to get them out of their burning home. By the time Rainey and his family got outside, the house was almost completely engulfed in flames. The close call has Rainey counting his blessings. “I thank the lord we're okay. All we can do it pick up the pieces and move on.” Rainey and his family say their property on Penny Lane is where they call home. Now they plan to take the insurance money and rebuild.

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