Two fast-moving wildfires burning on and around the Warm Springs Reservation have merged into a single complex, officials confirmed Monday, with the combined fires covering more than 33,800 acres and remaining at zero percent containment as of Tuesday morning.
The Bench Fire ignited last week and rapidly escalated, growing to 20,180 acres. The Beachcomb Fire, burning nearby, reached 13,648 acres. Extreme fire behavior driven by wind gusts of up to 29 mph blew the Bench Fire past firefighter contingency lines to the east over the weekend, erasing the 20 percent containment crews had briefly achieved.
Level 3 Evacuations Cover Reservation from Seekseequa to Agency
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs emergency managers have issued Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders covering reservation areas from Seekseequa to the Agency — a sweeping zone that encompasses thousands of residents. Multiple Level 1 and Level 2 advisory zones extend further into Jefferson County.
At least six homes and five other structures have been destroyed, according to officials cited by OPB. Damage assessment teams are working as conditions allow, and additional losses are possible.
Tribal Government, Clinic, Schools All Shut Down
The scale of the emergency forced broad shutdowns across the reservation community. In a memo issued by Secretary-Treasurer/CEO Edward Henderson on July 27, all Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs government offices were directed to close, with full-time, part-time, and limited-duration employees authorized to use up to eight hours of administrative leave. Essential staff continued working.
- Warm Springs Indian Health Service Clinic closed — the facility falls within the Level 3 evacuation zone.
- Boys & Girls Club of Warm Springs closed for Monday, July 27.
- Summer programs at Warm Springs K-8, Bridges High School, and Madras High School were canceled, as were summer meal sites at 509-J schools.
Highway 26 Disrupted
Highway 26 between the Warm Springs Reservation and Madras was closed at various points over the weekend as firefighters worked to protect structures and prevent the fire from crossing the roadway. Motorists are advised to check ODOT TripCheck for current road conditions before traveling, as the situation remains dynamic.
What Evacuees Should Know
Residents under any evacuation level — particularly those with livestock, pets, medications, or mobility challenges — are urged not to wait until flames are visible before leaving.
- Evacuation assistance and needs: Old School Cafeteria on the Warm Springs Reservation, or call Emergency Management at 541-419-8094.
- Human evacuation shelter in Madras: St. Patrick’s Church.
- Livestock shelter: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 430 SW Fairgrounds Road, Madras.
- Animal transport help: Branch of Natural Resources, contact Butch David at 541-325-2253.
Current evacuation zone boundaries and zone IDs are viewable on the Watch Duty app or the RAPTOR Evacuation Map. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs official social media and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for real-time updates as firefighting operations continue.