In the face of the worst wildfire emergency to strike the Warm Springs area in years, Madras has quietly become the region’s lifeline — a place where evacuees fleeing Level 3 “Go Now” orders can find shelter, food, and a safe place for their animals while firefighters work to protect their homes.

Livestock Shelter Opens at the Fairgrounds

The Jefferson County Fairgrounds at 430 SW Fairgrounds Road in Madras has been converted into an emergency livestock shelter, accepting horses, cattle, and other large animals displaced by the Bench and Beachcomb fires. The fairgrounds — which just last week hosted the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo — now serve a very different but equally important purpose.

Residents needing help moving animals are urged to contact the Branch of Natural Resources: call Butch David at 541-325-2253. Officials emphasize that livestock owners should not delay — animals take significantly more time to load and transport than personal belongings, and evacuation windows can close quickly.

Shelter for Displaced Families

St. Patrick’s Church in Madras has opened as an evacuation shelter for tribal members and other residents who have left their homes. On the reservation itself, the Old School Cafeteria has remained open as a community resource point despite portions of the Agency area falling within Level 3 evacuation zones. Warm Springs emergency management can be reached at 541-419-8094.

The dual-shelter arrangement reflects the deep geographic and cultural ties between Madras and the Warm Springs community — a relationship that becomes most visible in times of crisis.

A Community Ready to Help

Local residents and businesses in Madras and throughout Jefferson County have responded with characteristic generosity. Community members are encouraged to reach out to local organizations about donation needs or volunteer opportunities as the evacuation situation evolves.

“Those with livestock, pets, medications, or mobility concerns may need considerably more time to evacuate and should not wait until flames are visible.” — Oregon emergency officials

Jefferson County Emergency Management is coordinating with tribal emergency services. Residents across all evacuation levels should keep alert notifications enabled and be ready to move at a moment’s notice.

Key Resources

  • Livestock shelter: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 430 SW Fairgrounds Road, Madras — call 541-325-2253 for animal transport assistance
  • Human shelter: St. Patrick’s Church, Madras
  • On-reservation assistance: Old School Cafeteria, or call 541-419-8094
  • Road conditions: ODOT TripCheck — Highway 26 between Madras and Warm Springs has been subject to closures
  • Evacuation map: Watch Duty app or RAPTOR Evacuation Map

The fires, which together cover more than 33,000 acres with zero containment, continue to be driven by dry, hot conditions that have characterized Jefferson County’s extreme drought year. Residents outside current evacuation zones are urged to prepare go-bags, identify evacuation routes, and make arrangements for animals and family members who may need extra time.