The Bench Fire burning southwest of Warm Springs has grown to 45,209 acres with zero percent containment as of Tuesday evening, July 28, forcing Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders across wide swaths of the Warm Springs community and surrounding Jefferson County.

The fire started July 23 and continues to burn through dry grass, shrubs, and ponderosa pine. Elevated temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s, low humidity, and northerly wind gusts up to 25 mph are driving active-to-extreme fire behavior. Officials warn the fire has high potential to spread south and west toward populated areas on both sides of Lake Billy Chinook and the Deschutes River.

Unified Command Established

The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team and Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 have entered unified command of the Bench Fire, working alongside tribal, local, state, and federal partners. A total of 468 personnel are assigned to the fire. Seven OSFM structural task forces and strike teams are conducting point protection operations throughout the Warm Springs community, defending homes, businesses, and critical hydroelectric infrastructure along the Deschutes River.

Evacuation Zones

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notices are in effect for the following areas within the Warm Springs Agency District:

  • Greeley Heights
  • Tenino Apartments and Trailer Courts
  • West Hill
  • Elmer Quinn Park and the Campus Area
  • Shitike Creek
  • Pelton Park, Pelton Dam, Dry Hollow, and Lake Simtustus

Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation orders remain in effect for areas east and south of the fire. An interactive evacuation map is available through Jefferson County online.

What Firefighters Are Doing

Crews are working to secure the Tenino Road system as containment lines, with the goal of keeping the fire south of Tenino Road and east of the Metolius River. At the southern edge, firefighters are holding lines north of Lake Billy Chinook while scouting contingency positions south of the lake. Crews have also prepared M-100 Road and Highways 25 and 26 to support suppression efforts. At least six homes have been confirmed lost to the Bench Fire as of Tuesday.

Road Closures and Travel

Highway 26 near Warm Springs (mileposts 108–110) and Highway 218 near Antelope and Clarno remain closed. Travelers should check tripcheck.com before driving in the area. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect—unauthorized drone use over the fire poses a direct safety risk to aerial operations.

Key Contacts and Resources

  • Bench Fire hotline: 541-707-8719 (8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily)
  • Fire information: inciweb.wildfire.gov (search “Bench Fire”)
  • Evacuation map: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office GIS portal
  • Air quality: fire.airnow.gov
  • Road conditions: tripcheck.com
  • Report a new fire: Call 9-1-1