U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR2) met with Jefferson County residents, officials, and landowners on Friday, August 28 at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras, listening to community concerns about the devastating 2026 wildfire season and discussing what steps can be taken to reduce future risk.

The gathering came at the tail end of what is shaping up to be one of Oregon's worst fire years on record. Historic drought conditions, record-low winter snowpack, two separate lightning storms, and fires spreading through densely forested terrain have combined to produce an extraordinarily destructive season. The Bend Bulletin has reported that an estimated 2.4 million acres have burned statewide as of late August.

Local Impact and Lingering Smoke

While fires within Jefferson County have been contained, the effects are far from over. Wildfire smoke from ongoing regional fires has created fluctuating air quality conditions throughout Central Oregon, including Madras, Warm Springs, and Crooked River Ranch.

As of September 1, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an intermittent smoke advisory for Deschutes County. Jefferson County residents in low-lying areas or with respiratory conditions are encouraged to monitor air quality at oregonsmoke.org and limit outdoor activity when smoke is heavy.

Jefferson County Fire and EMS confirmed that open burning remains closed countywide. Residents should check jcfr1.org for the latest burn restriction updates.

What Bentz Heard — and What He Plans to Do

At the Madras town hall, community members expressed concerns about juniper encroachment, the need for proactive forest cleanup, road access into forested areas, and the availability of firefighting resources. Bentz noted that resource levels have improved substantially.

"There's been an increase, a substantial increase in the number of people and assets available to fight these fires," Bentz said, pointing to a jump from approximately 9,800 firefighting personnel in Oregon in 2024 to more than 12,400 this year.

Road access emerged as a central theme. The 2001 Roadless Rule placed restrictions on road construction in national forests, complicating both fire suppression and prevention efforts. The U.S. Forest Service is now working to rescind those restrictions to improve access for wildfire mitigation — a move supported by many in the timber and ranching communities, though opposed by some environmental groups who argue more roads lead to more ignition sources.

What Residents Can Do Now

With fire season likely to continue well into fall given this year's drought, Jefferson County residents are encouraged to:

  • Maintain defensible space around structures
  • Avoid any activity that could generate sparks or embers
  • Keep emergency go-bags ready during red flag conditions
  • Monitor air quality and limit outdoor exposure during smoke events
  • Sign up for Jefferson County emergency alerts at jeffersoncountyor.gov

Questions about fire preparedness can be directed to Jefferson County Fire and Rural Rescue at (541) 475-4442.