Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BEND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon has seen a hectic wildfire season and the largest fire in the recorded history of Crater Lake blackened the northwest corner of the state’s only national park. The Bend Bulletin reports that the blaze in the park has been burning for five weeks but was 70 percent contained by Saturday. It burned almost 25 square miles.
PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) – With rain and even a little snow falling on a destructive wildfire near John Day, local officials were able to breathe a sigh of relief that flames are largely controlled. But now another concern is emerging: The potential for catastrophic flooding. The East Oregonian reports that without vegetation to keep debris anchored to the hillside, the potential for catastrophic flooding and erosion increases.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The lawyer for a former Willamette University football player accused of killing a 66-year-old Salem man in November says his client acted in self-defense. The Statesman Journal reports that the lawyer submitted a document to the court that claims Beau Smith was defending himself when he struck Michael Hampshire repeatedly in the face.
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) – A late night attack in Gresham left one man dead and three others wounded. Gresham police say four men entered a mobile home and attacked a 34-year-old man, stabbing him with a knife. The resident fought back and grabbed a pistol. He shot two of the suspects. One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening knife wounds and has since been released.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.