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Local News
Local News
Drought Tightens Its Grip on Jefferson County Farms and Ranches
Jefferson County recorded the largest single-week jump in extreme drought coverage of any county in Central Oregon this summer, as ranchers and farmers face dried-up pastures, costly hay shortages, and an extended dry outlook through at least the end of August.
Local News
Madras Becomes Wildfire Front Line: Red Cross Shelter Open, Volunteers Mobilize
With fires surrounding Jefferson County on multiple sides, the city of Madras has become a hub for evacuees, firefighting operations, and community relief efforts. Hundreds of firefighters are staging out of the area while local volunteers have stepped up in remarkable ways.
Local News
Confederated Tribes Launch Recovery Fund as Bench Fire Destroys Eight Homes on Reservation
With eight homes and five other structures lost to the Bench Fire, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have opened emergency shelters, organized community support efforts, and launched a wildfire recovery fund for displaced tribal members. The Warm Springs Agency District evacuation level was downgraded Thursday to Level 2.
Local News
How to Help: Warm Springs Tribal Members Need Water, Food, and Shelter After Bench Fire Destroys Homes
Six homes and multiple structures lost on the Warm Springs Reservation have left tribal families displaced and in urgent need of supplies. The Confederated Tribes have launched an official wildfire recovery fund and identified drop-off sites across Central Oregon for donations of water, food, and basic necessities.
Local News
Where to Go, Where to Help: Evacuation Shelters and Support Resources for Jefferson County Fire Evacuees
As thousands of Jefferson County residents flee wildfires across the county, shelters have opened in Madras, Warm Springs, Sisters, and Prineville. Here is a complete guide to where evacuees can find a bed, a meal, and help moving their animals.
Local News
Four Active Wildfires Burning Across Jefferson County: What You Need to Know
Jefferson County is simultaneously battling four major wildfires — the Bench, Akawa Butte, Rowe Creek Complex West, and Ten Mile fires — covering a combined footprint of more than 370,000 acres. Here is a status update on each fire and what it means for communities across the county.
Local News
Jefferson County School District Halts All Summer Programming as Wildfires Threaten the Region
The Jefferson County School District canceled all summer programs and meal sites on Monday, July 27, citing rapidly changing wildfire conditions and active evacuation orders affecting parts of the district.
Local News
Madras Steps Up as Evacuation Hub: Fairgrounds Shelter Horses and Livestock While Church Welcomes Families
As wildfires push thousands from the Warm Springs Reservation and surrounding areas, Madras has become a critical hub for displaced residents and their animals, with the Jefferson County Fairgrounds hosting a livestock shelter and St. Patrick’s Church opening its doors to families.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Government Responds to ICE Activity on Reservation, Urges Members to Know Their Rights
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs issued a statement following a reported ICE enforcement action at a reservation rest stop on July 23, confirming no tribal members were taken into custody and reminding community members to contact tribal police if federal agents are spotted on reservation lands.
Local News
Ten Mile Fire Grows to Nearly 5,000 Acres Northeast of Madras; Stage 2 Restrictions Now Cover All Central Oregon
The Ten Mile Fire, burning 11 miles northeast of Madras, has grown to 4,809 acres and is 36% contained as of Sunday. Meanwhile, Stage 2 public use fire restrictions are now in effect across all Central Oregon public lands, banning campfires and chainsaw use.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Responds to ICE Stop on Reservation, Urges Members to Know Their Rights
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs issued a statement this week after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made a stop at a rest area on tribal lands July 23. Tribal police confirmed no tribal members were detained, and the tribal government emphasized it does not participate in federal immigration enforcement.