Multiple wildfires are burning across Jefferson County this weekend, prompting Governor Tina Kotek to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act and triggering mandatory evacuation orders that remain in effect as of Monday morning.

Emergency Conflagration Act Invoked

Gov. Kotek signed the Emergency Conflagration Act declaration on Friday, July 25, specifically covering the Bench Fire and Beachcomb Fire after the Jefferson County Fire Defense Board Chief requested state assistance. The declaration, made under ORS 476.510–476.610, allows the State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System — a step taken when local firefighting capacity alone is insufficient to protect life, safety, and property.

"The governor determined that the threat to life, safety and property from the fires exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local personnel and equipment," state officials said in a release.

Bench Fire: Nearly 7,000 Acres, No Containment

The Bench Fire has grown to nearly 7,000 acres with no reported containment. Several areas in the northwest corner of Jefferson County are under Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders, including Lake Simtustus and the Pelton Regulating Dam area. Surrounding zones are under Level 1 and Level 2 watches.

Beachcomb Fire: 2,350 Acres, Threatening Reservation Communities

The Beachcomb Fire, which ignited roughly two days before Saturday's reporting, has grown to 2,350 acres with no containment. Several evacuation zones on the southeast portion of the Warm Springs Reservation are under Level 3 orders. The Warm Springs Police Department has warned that the area as a whole carries a Level 2 designation — residents should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change.

Shelter and Large Animal Resources

Residents displaced by the fires can access the following resources in Madras:

  • Human shelter: Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 341 S.W. J St., Madras
  • Large animal shelter: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 430 S.W. Fairgrounds Road, Madras

Highway Closures

Highway 26 near Warm Springs and Highway 218 near Antelope and Clarno are both closed due to the wildfires. Motorists should check TripCheck.com for real-time road conditions before traveling.

Track Evacuation Levels

Jefferson County and Wasco County Sheriff's Offices are maintaining up-to-date evacuation maps online. Residents are strongly encouraged to monitor the Jefferson County fire evacuation map at fr911orgis.maps.arcgis.com and sign up for emergency alerts through their county.

Stage 2 public use fire restrictions are now in effect for all Central Oregon public lands, prohibiting campfires and chainsaw use. Conditions remain critical with gusty winds, low humidity, and high temperatures forecast to continue through the week.