Wildfire

The 2026 wildfire season has been the state’s most expensive to date.

The Oregon Legislature is meeting in periodic “legislative days” hearings that will tackle some major emerging issues.

When power lines are blamed for starting a wildfire, costs to utilities can stretch into the billions and trickle down to consumers.

Lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session in Sacramento this week following tumultuous debates and last-minute proposals.

Widespread rainfall should dampen fire risk, as a frost advisory has been issued for parts of Southern Oregon.

The measure, which was opposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state’s public utiliites, never came to a vote in the Assembly.

Gov. Gavin Newsom backed off his plans to ease costs for utilities following wildfires they cause, striking a narrower deal with Democratic lawmakers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is rushing a plan to provide financial relief to utilities facing massive lawsuit payouts because of California wildfires. Some lawmakers are fighting it.

In recent years, people who live in the fire-prone landscapes of Northern California and Southern Oregon have had to confront new realities and risks created by changing climate conditions.

As the Oregon Department of Transportation faces potential staff cuts, some raise concerns about the state’s ability to respond to severe weather and a growing backlog of maintenance projects

The fire is at 18% containment as crews continue to make progress.

Heavy winds and steep terrain allowed the fire to take hold and grow. Meanwhile, more than 6,000 personnel are deployed to other fires burning across Oregon.