Medford Fire Department

08/11/2026

This morning at approximately 11:38 a.m., Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon ECSO 911 dispatched Engine 14 to reported vehicle fire in the 900 block of E. Vilas Road.

While responding, Engine 14 could see a smoke column and requested an additional engine to support the response. The fire was quickly knocked down once crews arrived on scene.

The fire damaged multiple vehicles, but thanks to crews' quick response, it was stopped before it spread to many other vehicles and trailers at the location.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Thank you to Jackson County Fire District 3 for your assistance on this incident!

Medford Firefighters Local 824

08/10/2026

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 (𝟴/𝟭𝟭 𝟵:𝟭𝟱 𝗔𝗠): The cause of this fire was determined to be accidental and likely related to a barbecue being used too close to flammable materials. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters from this incident.

‼ Especially during summer's hot weather, remember to keep barbecues and outdoor fire pits at least 3 feet away from anything combustible.

Thank you to Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon ECSO 911 and Jackson County Fire District 3 for your assistance on this incident!

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 (𝟴/𝟭𝟬; 𝟰:𝟰𝟭𝗣𝗠): Fire crews are beginning to clear the scene, with two engines remaining to complete overhaul work. Howard Avenue is expected to remain closed for approximately another hour.

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝘄: Multiple crews are responding to a structure fire on the 2500 block of Howard Avenue.

⚠️Howard Avenue is currently closed in both directions while crews respond to this incident.

The fire is contained and was confined to the attic. There are no reported injuries, and the cause is unknown at this time.

Medford Firefighters Local 824

08/09/2026

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱, 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗱𝘆: The fire has been fully extinguished and crews are beginning to clear the scene.

The fire damaged three vehicles, one trailer and vegetation, and caused partial damage to New China Restaurant. A quick response and aggressive attack by firefighters kept the fire from spreading to the nearby hotel and other businesses. No injuries were reported.

The fire has been confirmed as arson. Video surveillance helped identify a suspect, who was taken into custody by Medford Police after officers contacted the individual on South Riverside, where they were reportedly attempting to start another fire.

Thank you to our crews and MPD for the quick response and coordination.

𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲: Multiple crews are responding to a vegetation fire off Barnett Road near WinCo (411 E. Barnett Road) and the Royal Crest Hotel.

The fire is under control, and crews are continuing mop-up work in the area. The cause is unknown at this time.

08/07/2026

Last week, our probationary firefighters and their assigned crews got some hands-on training on a house slated for demolition. 🏡

This was a great chance for them to sharpen their ventilation skills—a tactic that helps release heat and smoke from a burning building, so firefighters can locate victims and extinguish the fire.

Every house is unique in its roof pitch, layout, and construction materials, so training on a real structure is an invaluable experience for our crews.

Thank you to everyone who made this opportunity possible!

Medford Firefighters Local 824

08/06/2026

Every inspection, investigation, school visit, and community partnership helps make Medford a safer place.

During June, our team completed:

🔥 459 Community Risk Reduction activities
✅ 386 Fire Code Enforcement inspections
🏗️ 54 Development & New Construction reviews
🌲 9 Wildfire-related activities
🔍 10 Fire investigations
🤝 25 Community engagement and collaboration activities

Prevention is one of the most effective emergency responses we provide. Thank you to our dedicated personnel and community partners for helping reduce risk before emergencies happen!

Medford Firefighters Local 824

08/05/2026

It’s hot this week! 🥵

The Red Flag Warning has been extended through tomorrow (8/6), meaning hot, dry, and windy conditions continue to create an increased risk for wildfire.

You may notice our brush rigs following behind fire engines around town. On days with elevated fire danger, we pair these units together so we're prepared to quickly attack any vegetation fire that starts.

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀:
🚬 Never toss lit ci******es on the ground.
🚗 Don't park hot vehicles on dry grass or vegetation.
🔥 Avoid using equipment that can create sparks.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁:
💦 Drink more water than usual—even if you don't feel thirsty.
👚 Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
🚙 Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
🤝 Check on family, friends, and neighbors who don't have air conditioning, spend much of their time alone, or are more vulnerable to heat.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and help prevent wildfires!

Medford Firefighters Local 824

08/04/2026

Our members and the rest of Task Force 40 are home safe! We're proud of our local firefighters and command staff who have been helping with the fires across the state, and grateful for the partnerships and supportive community we have here at home.

𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝟒𝟎 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞

Task Force 40 returned safely to the Rogue Valley on Sunday afternoon following their assignment on the Second Flat Fire near Burns, Oregon.

During their deployment, the task force worked night shift protecting homes and other structures that were under immediate threat from the advancing fire. Their efforts helped provide critical structure protection for the community impacted by the fire.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Burns Fire Department for their hospitality while our crews were assigned to the incident. They graciously welcomed TF 40 into their fire station, providing an air-conditioned place for firefighters to rest and recover during the hot days between shifts. The kindness and generosity shown by both the department and the Burns community were greatly appreciated by everyone on the task force.

As a region made up largely of rural communities, we know firsthand how meaningful outside assistance can be during large incidents. We’re proud to have been able to return that support by helping protect another Oregon community in its time of need.

We’re grateful to have all of our personnel home safely, and our thoughts remain with the firefighters and support personnel who continue working on wildfires throughout Oregon and across the West Coast.

Medford Fire Department | Evans Valley Fire District #6 | Grants Pass Fire | Ashland Fire & Rescue | Applegate Fire District

08/03/2026

𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 ⚠️ Due to current weather conditions, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Medford effective 2 p.m. today (8/3) through 9 p.m. tomorrow (8/4).

‼️ Public access to Prescott Park will be curtailed for the duration of the warning.

🚩 A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may become life threatening.

❌ Avoid tossing burning ci******es on the ground, parking hot vehicles on dry vegetation, and using equipment that can cause sparks.

View the weather alert ➡️ https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=132117355

Medford Firefighters Local 824

07/31/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹! Yesterday, we celebrated advancements in the careers of four of our members during a badge pinning ceremony.

Please join us in recognizing these well-earned promotions:
▪️Battalion Chief David Ackles
▪️Captain Kris Miller
▪️Captain Travis Chronister
▪️Engineer Brandon Grissom

We're proud of their dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving our community, and look forward to the impact they’ll make in their new roles!

Medford Firefighters Local 824

07/29/2026

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿. 👩‍🚒 The fire service is more than a career for the Metheny family—it's a legacy.

Deputy Fire Marshal Samantha Metheny began her fire service journey over 30 years ago, working as a wildland firefighter before joining Medford Fire. Today, she's helping protect our community through fire prevention and life safety.

Now, her daughter Mayson is following in her footsteps. This summer, she began her own wildland firefighting career, working her first fire on the East Evans Creek Fire and discovering a passion for the job. She's currently deployed on the Brewer Fire near Prineville while preparing to earn her EMT certification this fall.

We're proud to see the next generation answering the call to serve and wish Mayson a safe assignment! ❤️

Medford Firefighters Local 824

Read the full story here: https://www.medfordoregon.gov/News-Articles/Like-Mother-Like-Daughter-A-Legacy-of-Service