Section
Public Safety
Public Safety
Round Butte Fire: Three Weeks Later, Affected Residents Begin Recovery Process
The Round Butte Fire that ignited August 1 and burned more than 1,200 acres in Jefferson County — triggering Level 3 evacuations and days of choking smoke — is now largely contained. But for residents who evacuated and ranchers who lost fencing and grazing land, the recovery work is just beginning.
Public Safety
Rowe Creek Complex Reaches 91% Containment; Cooler Weather Brings Relief to Central Oregon
The massive Rowe Creek Complex fire in Wheeler County has reached 91% containment at nearly 374,000 acres, and a cooler, more humid forecast is expected to hold fire behavior in check through the weekend.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Lifts Most Evacuations as Rowe Creek Complex Reaches 91% Containment
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office lifted nearly all evacuation orders tied to the massive Rowe Creek Complex on Tuesday, offering relief to residents who had been displaced or on standby for weeks. The fire is now 91% contained at roughly 374,000 acres.
Public Safety
Round Butte Fire Grows to 1,090 Acres Near Culver; Bench Fire at 84% Containment
The Round Butte Fire west of Culver has grown to 1,090 acres with only 12% containment, while the larger Bench Fire near Warm Springs reaches 84% contained. A wildfire recovery distribution center remains open on the reservation.
Public Safety
Wildfire Smoke Smothers Jefferson County as Three Blazes Burn Near Warm Springs
An air quality advisory remains in effect for Jefferson County as three fires burn on or near the Warm Springs Reservation — the Bench Fire nearing full containment, while the Austin and Grasshopper fires continue to demand crews.
Public Safety
Fire Season Restrictions Remain Fully in Effect Across Jefferson County Through End of Season
Jefferson County Fire and EMS reminds residents that burn barrel use has been prohibited since August 4 and that fire danger remains high — even as the Bench and Round Butte fires inch toward containment. Late August historically brings renewed fire risk.
Public Safety
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Remain in Force Across Central Oregon — What You Need to Know
Campfires are still banned across public lands in Central Oregon, with Stage 2 fire restrictions in place since late July. Fire officials say dry, hot conditions and critically low vegetation moisture continue to justify the highest level of public-use restrictions.
Public Safety
Rowe Creek Complex Reaches 89% Containment; Air Quality Advisory Expires Today
The massive Rowe Creek Complex fire east of Culver and Metolius is nearly contained at 89%, with international crews still mopping up and an air quality advisory for Jefferson County set to expire Friday afternoon.
Public Safety
Bench Fire Nears Full Containment as Warm Springs Community Shifts to Long Recovery
The Bench Fire southwest of Warm Springs has reached 86 percent containment and all evacuation orders have been lifted, but tribal leaders say the real work is just beginning as families return to damaged homes and scorched land.
Public Safety
Bench Fire Nears Full Containment as Warm Springs Community Shifts to Long Recovery
The Bench Fire southwest of Warm Springs has reached 86 percent containment, all evacuation orders have been lifted, and tribal leaders are now focused on the long road to rebuilding — even as Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place across Jefferson County.
Public Safety
Come and Eat: Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Hosts Volunteer Fundraiser Breakfast Sept. 6
Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue is inviting the community to a pay-what-you-can breakfast fundraiser on September 6 to support their volunteer firefighter association — the same crew that’s been stretched thin covering local calls while fighting fires across Oregon this summer.
Public Safety
Three Major Central Oregon Fires Near Containment, But Red Flag Warnings Keep Crews on Edge
The Henry, Coyote, and Shingle fires are all trending toward full containment, and Highway 26 between Prineville and Mitchell has reopened — but forecasted thunderstorms and lingering dry fuels are keeping fire managers on high alert this weekend.