In a matter of days, Madras has transformed from a quiet high-desert community into the operational front line of one of Oregon's most complex wildfire events. With the Bench Fire burning to the north, the Ten Mile Fire to the northeast, and other blazes surrounding the region, Jefferson County's largest city is now a hub for firefighting crews, evacuees, and community relief efforts simultaneously.

Red Cross Evacuation Center Active

The American Red Cross opened an evacuation center in Madras to serve residents displaced by the Bench and related fires. The center has provided emergency lodging, meals, and support services to evacuees from Warm Springs, the Seekseequa District, Camp Sherman, and other affected areas. Residents in need of shelter should contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the current Madras-area center location — check the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office social media for the current address.

Community Steps Up

Madras residents have responded to the crisis with an outpouring of support. Local volunteers have been organizing supply runs, preparing meals for firefighters and evacuees, and opening their homes to displaced neighbors. One resident summed up the community spirit: "We've lived here long enough to know what the winds do — when they come and when they go. We knew the winds were coming."

That same volunteer, a local Red Cross worker, said that when her own neighborhood was placed under Level 3 evacuation last Friday, she evacuated and immediately reported for duty to help others. "I got here and it was already Level 3 where I lived. Then I got a call to show up for the Red Cross."

Firefighters Stage from Madras

Hundreds of firefighters, equipment operators, and support personnel have been staging in and around Madras, using the city as a base for operations on the Bench Fire and surrounding incidents. The influx has stretched local services but also brought an economic ripple through local motels, restaurants, and fuel stations.

Multiple Fires Surround the County

Jefferson County is dealing with multiple fire incidents at once. In addition to the Bench Fire's 64,000-plus acres, the Ten Mile Fire was reported northeast of Madras in late July. As of July 30, Oregon wildfires statewide had burned more than 1.5 million acres — approaching record territory — with Jefferson County among the hardest-hit areas in the state.

"It gives you a whole new appreciation for fires and what the wind can do — how aggressive they can be, and what can be lost in an instant," said Kara Madison, a water tanker truck driver from Culver who was evacuated from Indian Head Casino when the fire jumped the Deschutes River last weekend. She returned to the fire lines the following day.

How to Help

  • Donate to evacuees: American Red Cross at redcross.org
  • Support tribal members: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Wildfire Recovery Fund (visit ctws.org for link)
  • Physical supplies: Check with local community organizations for current drop-off locations in Madras
  • Volunteer: Contact Jefferson County Emergency Management at jeffco.net

Jefferson County Emergency Management urges all residents to stay informed and have a go-bag ready. Even areas not currently under evacuation orders should be prepared to leave quickly if conditions change — especially with Red Flag weather forecast this weekend.