Rogue Valley News, Friday 8/29 – Tips for Labor Day Weekend, Weather and Fire Updates & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com

Friday,  August 30, 2025

Rogue Valley Weather

https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php

Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.

We’re not out of the woods yet —  Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”

With hot, dry conditions in the forecast & increased crowds for Labor Day weekend, Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions

Firefighters are engaged in suppression efforts on 45 lightning caused fires on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. 28 of these new fire starts are now in contained, controlled or out status. Crews are still working to locate additional reports of smoke after widespread lightning moved through the area earlier this week.

Engines, hand crews, heavy equipment, water tenders, rappellers and smokejumpers are working on these fires, and are prepared to respond to new fires as they are reported. The forest is working closely with partners at ODF Southwest Oregon District and the BLM to facilitate a rapid and effective suppression response.

High Cascades Ranger District

The Sumpter Fire (#343) is 6.6 acres and is approximately 2.9 miles southeast of the Imnaha Guard Station. There is hand line and hose lays around 100% of the perimeter, firefighters are working to cool areas of heat around the edges and continue mopping up toward the interior.

The Whitman Fire (#342) is very close to the Sumpter Fire and is 1.77 acres. There is handline around the fire and crews installed hose lays around the perimeter today. Firefighters have mopped up five feet into the interior and will continue to work towards full containment.

The Spring Fire (#361) is just under a mile northeast of the Alta Lake Trailhead and is one-third of an acre. Containment line has been constructed around the perimeter and crews are working to mop up, secure lines and reduce fire activity in the interior where heavy fuels are burning.

The Billie Fire (#328) is located off FS Road 37 near Billie Creek. It is approximately 1.6 acres. There is line around 100% of the perimeter and crews are working to secure lines and have mopped up ten feet into the interior. The fire is 10% contained.

The McLoughlin Fire (was Norris) (#368) is located on the south aspect of Mt McLoughlin. Four rappellers are on scene and hand line has been constructed around the perimeter, halting any forward progress.

The Robinson Fire (#314) is 2.1 miles south of Lake of the Woods HWY near Grizzly Creek. Crew members from the Galice Fire Use Module are on scene have secured line around 100% of the fire perimeter and will continue to mop up through today’s shift.

The Imnaha Fire (#341) is located approximately one-half mile from Alta Lake Trailhead. It is one-tenth of an acre. Resources are being shared with the Wallowa and Spring Fires.

The Crest Fire (#367) is burning south of Daily Creek Road across from Brown Mountain Road. It is one tenth of an acre. Four rappellers are on scene and have constructed containment line around the perimeter. This fire is now contained.

The Brown Mountain Fire (#323) – contained

The Sunshine Fire (#304) – contained

The Bareface Fire (#327) – out

The Canyon Fire (#360) – contained

The Rainbow Fire (#359) – contained

The Wallowa Fire (#330) – contained

The Knob Fire (#305) – contained

The Island Fire (#320) – out

The Lone Wolf Fire (#333) – out

The Burton Fire (#319) – out

The Crawford Fire (#334)- contained

The Red Fire (#315) – out

The Dunlop Fire (#338) – contained

The Grizzly Fire (#317) – controlled

The Dogwood Fire (#316) – out

The Daly Fire (#339) – contained

The Short Fire (#310) – contained

The Cox Fire (#312) – contained

The Guard Fire (#337) – out

The Bieberstedt Fire (#307) – controlled

The Charley Fire (#311) – contained

The Weaver Fire (#296) – contained

The Butte Fire (#298) – out

The Pole Fire (#324) – contained

The Service Fire (#309) – controlled

The Woodruff Fire (#302) – contained

The Golden Fire (#301) – out

Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District

The Tolman fire (#364) is located three miles southwest of Wagner Butte Trailhead. It is one-tenth of an acre and rappellers have constructed line around the perimeter. The fire is now contained.

The Silver Fire (#357) is located almost a mile north of the Pacific Crest Trail Stateline Trailhead. It is one-tenth of an acre and is 100% lined and mop up is completed. Firefighters are monitoring this fire for any remaining heat.

The Split Fire (#348) – contained

The Old Fire (#349) – controlled

The Observation Fire (#300) – controlled

The Kettle Fire (#303) – controlled

The Buckhorn Fire (#321) – out

The Sevenmile Fire (#354) – contained

The Monogram Fire (#322) – contained

Several of these fires are burning near the Pacific Crest Trail. Please follow Pacific Crest Trail Association or visit https://www.pcta.org/ for trail information and updates.

A cargo drop to smokejumpers on the Crawford Fire on August 25th, USFS

Labor Day Weekend  —  Don’t Forget Why We Celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.

But the history behind the Labor Day holiday is far more complex and dramatic than most might realize, starting with a heated campaign by workers in the late 19th century to win support and recognition for their contributions. In July 1894, President Grover Cleveland finally signed into law legislation creating a national Labor Day holiday in early September.

In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.

Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.

AAA: Travel Trends for Labor Day 2025

Yes, AAA confirms that Labor Day weekend travel in Oregon will be busy, with millions expected to travel for this final summer getaway.

Expect heavy traffic, especially on Thursday and Friday afternoons and potentially all day Saturday, as well as crowded airports and popular regional destinations like the Oregon Coast and Central Oregon. Getting an early start on Thursday or Friday morning is recommended to beat the congestion.

It’s been a record-breaking summer travel season, and many will squeeze in one final trip over the Labor Day weekend before the summer wraps up. AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, theme parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho. AAA says the good news for travelers is that flights, hotels and car rentals cost less this year compared to 2024.

Memorial Day always marks the unofficial start to the summer travel season, and Labor Day marks the unofficial end. The Labor Day weekend is typically a busy travel weekend compared to other weekends in August and September, but the volume is not as high as the other major summer holidays, Memorial Day and Independence Day. With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families tend to take shorter trips that are closer to home over Labor Day. However, those without kids in school often use Labor Day as the kickoff to the fall travel season to take advantage of cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and off-peak pricing. Destinations in Europe, Mexico and Iceland are especially popular for these travelers.

“Many are eager to venture out for the last holiday weekend of the summer, enjoying one last vacation before the fall routine starts again,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Cruise ships are usually less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while it’s a bit chillier than in July and August, the weather is still nice and it can be a great time to see wildlife and a hint of fall color.”

AAA can help you plan your Labor Day getaway, or any trip, with Trip Canvas. This free resource offers ideas and information for countless destinations. You can find the 9 best Alaska Cruises for every traveler, top things to do in Bend, things to do in Portland on a budget, best places to eat at Disneyland,  and the Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast road trip, to name a few.

Top Labor Day destinations — Here are the top destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on searches and bookings:

Alaska cruises are very popular, with the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver B.C. topping the lists of the most popular U.S. and International destinations. Disneyland and Las Vegas are perennial favorites.

The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are Central Oregon, Portland, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Medford/Ashland and Eugene.

Labor Day gas prices — Those taking a road trip for the Labor Day holiday will find gas prices that are more expensive in Oregon and Washington this year compared to last year, but cheaper in most other states.

The national average is currently $3.21 and the Oregon average is $3.98 (as of August 28, 2025). Last year on Labor Day, the national average was $3.33 and the Oregon average was $3.78.

Find current gas prices here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Find Oregon gas price news here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/

“Gas prices have been relatively calm this spring and summer, due to fairly steady crude oil prices. Pump prices should remain fairly stable through the Labor Day holiday, barring a refinery or pipeline outage, a major storm that impacts the Gulf Coast, escalating tensions in the Middle East, or some other geo-political event that sends crude oil prices higher,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Best and worst times to drive — INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, says the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime, and for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better! Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses.

The worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening hours. The afternoons of Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29 will be among the busiest times on the roads as holiday travelers mix with commuters. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips.

“Most Labor Day travelers will depart on Thursday or Friday before the holiday, and return home on Labor Day or Tuesday,” says Dodds. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks.”

In either direction, be aware of the traffic impact from wildfires and recovery efforts. 

ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking. 

Labor Day is also an especially deadly time because of drunk or impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies have announced extra patrols for DUIIs.

For more information on Oregon roads, check tripcheck.com

Indie Wine Mixer – Southern Oregon Edition

Stage Coach Run – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon

Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races. All proceeds benefit the Pear Blossom Scholarship Foundation!

https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Phoenix/Stagecoach

Petty Thievery – Concert At The Rocks

Our Concerts are an epic Oregon outdoor experience located at the one-of-a-kind 53-acre Discovery Park under the towering Table Rock cliffs. Arrival to these concerts is by watercraft! We generally have two concerts a month, with each concert ticket including round trip jet boat shuttle ( under 20 minutes total) from Touvelle State Park to the Discovery Park venue & approx. 2 hours of watching the concert performed on our private lake’s stage. Total time for this experience is approx. 4 hours.  https://roguejetadventures.com/concert-at-the-rocks/

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

As of late August 2025, statewide fire season is in effect across Oregon, and high fire danger levels are expected for the Labor Day weekend. Officials from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) are urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution to prevent wildfires. Key restrictions and safety guidelines for Labor Day weekend

• Fireworks are prohibited on public lands. The sale of legal fireworks ended July 6, and all fireworks that fly, explode, or travel more than 12 feet horizontally are illegal year-round in Oregon without a special permit.
• Check local burning rules. Campfires and other open flames are heavily restricted or banned in many areas. Portable stoves that use bottled fuel are typically allowed in cleared areas, but always check the specific rules for your location. Violators can face fines and be held liable for damages.
• Use caution with vehicles. Park in cleared areas away from dry grass, and ensure your vehicle’s undercarriage is free of debris. Vehicle parts like hot catalytic converters can easily ignite roadside vegetation.
• Adhere to power equipment rules. Tools like chainsaws have operating time restrictions, especially during periods of high fire danger. Always have fire extinguishing equipment on hand when operating power tools.
• Stay informed about local conditions. Rules vary by county and specific land jurisdiction, such as those managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the US Forest Service. You can find the most up-to-date information through these sources:
  • Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF): Offers up-to-date information on restrictions and closures by district.
  • Keep Oregon Green: Provides general fire prevention information.
  • Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM): Posts safety information and news releases on social media and its website.
• Register for emergency alerts. Sign up for local emergency notifications through OR-Alert to receive evacuation notices and other critical information.

• Immediately call 911 to report fires.
• Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
• Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
• Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
• Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
• Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
• Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
• Do not park on dry grass.
• Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
• Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
• Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
• Please be mindful and think about your actions

To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:

Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx

InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/

Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/

OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map

Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…

NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html

Smoke billows and flames rise from the Flat Fire in Deschutes County, Oregon. Pic from Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.

Labor Day Boating Fun and Friendly Reminders

Labor Day Weekend traditions are rooted in the outdoors, and to keep things safe, the Oregon State Marine Board suggests taking the time to plan your on-water get away with the following tips:

Wear your life jacket. Each boat (including canoes and kayaks, inflatable boats, and stand up paddleboards) must have a properly fitted life jacket for each person on board and at least one sound-producing device. Life jackets need to be in good shape and readily accessible – not under a hatch or in their packaging. All youth younger than 13 must wear a life jacket when in a boat that’s underway. Since storage space is limited on paddlecraft, it makes the best sense to just wear a life jacket. So far this season, most of the victims of recreational boating fatalities were paddlers not wearing life jackets.

Know your waterway. “Take the time to get familiar with the waterway and know the inherent dangers,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “Look out for wood, other debris, and shallow gravel bars with low water levels.” Find out more about low water impacts on boat ramps by subscribing to the Marine Board’s Opportunities and Access Report.

Know what rules apply. There are all types of watercraft on the market; some are considered boats and others are pool toys. Boats are designed differently, and by state law, have specific equipment requirements. “If you plan to float in a river, keep in mind that pool toys are designed for use in a swimming pool, have no directional control, and can puncture easily. Float in a watercraft designed for a river; one which won’t easily puncture and comes equipped with a paddle so you can maneuver away from obstructions.” Paulsen adds. It’s state law that any boat with a motor, even temporarily mounted, must be titled and registered. Paddlecraft (including stand up paddleboards) 10 feet and longer are required to carry a Waterway Access Permit.

Boat Sober. Boating is a great social activity, and the Marine Board encourages boaters and persons floating on the waterways, to leave the alcohol on shore. It’s safer for everyone. If arrested for Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants (BUII), violators can be fined up to $6,250; can lose boating privileges for up to three years and even serve jail time. Intoxicants include marijuana, illicit drugs, and even some prescriptions.

Sit on the seat inside the boat. Many boaters are tempted to ride on the swim platform, stern, sides, and bow of open motorboats. The stern can be a dangerous place for exposure to carbon monoxide and a prop-strike safety hazard. It is illegal to ride on the bow, decks, gunwales or transoms of a motorboat when the boat is underway. Sitting on designated seats is the safest option – especially when the boat is towing someone. Just because new boats have seats on the transom or swim step doesn’t make them legal for use when the boat is underway.

Slow down, keep scanning, and be courteous. Know the boating regulations for your area of operation. Boaters, including personal watercraft, are responsible for damage caused by their wake. Remember to slow down within 200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, moorage, floating home or boathouse, pier or swim float, even if they don’t have a “Slow No-Wake” buoy or sign. Paddlers should stay closer to shore, crossing busy channels at right angles only when it is safe and allow motorboats to pass in deeper water. Be courteous, share the waterway, and recreate responsibly.

The top boating violations this summer include not having enough wearable life jackets on board, not carrying a waterway access permit, not carrying a sound signaling device, and not having a valid registration. So far this year, there have been 15 recreational boating fatalities in which not wearing a life jacket was the most common contributing factor.

For more information about equipment requirements, boating regulations, and ideas on where to go boating, visit the Marine Board’s website.

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