A wind-driven vegetation fire tore through a residential section of the Warm Springs community Thursday evening, forcing immediate evacuations and destroying two homes before firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Frontier Regional 911 issued a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation order for residents along Upper Dry Creek, Beaver Drive, and George Drive after the fire broke out. The order was later downgraded to a Level 1 "Be Ready" notice around 8:00 p.m., as crews made progress on containment. The fire was declared contained Thursday night.
Fast-Moving Conditions
The fire spread rapidly in windy conditions, reportedly cresting a ridgeline in under 20 minutes according to at least one area resident. Two homes were destroyed — one vacant and one occupied — though the occupants of the inhabited home evacuated in time and were uninjured. The flames came within inches of several other structures, and at least one homeowner fought off the fire with a garden hose alongside family members.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials have not confirmed reports that the blaze originated from debris burning in a residential backyard.
Warm Springs PD Dispatch Change
Residents should be aware of a temporary change to Warm Springs Police Department dispatch services. The department has contracted with Frontier Regional 911 to handle all 911 and emergency dispatch services between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. For non-emergency police matters during those hours, residents should call (541) 384-2080.
Fire Season Context
The fire comes during an active start to the 2026 fire season. The Oregon Department of Forestry placed Jefferson County and surrounding areas under a Regulated Use Closure on May 18, citing high fire danger due to dry, warm, and windy conditions. Open campfires, chainsaw use during afternoon hours, off-road vehicle use, and fireworks are all prohibited under the closure.
The Jefferson County Fire & Rescue District has also closed all open burning as of early fire season. Anyone with information about the origin of the Upper Dry Creek Fire may contact the Warm Springs Fire Department or the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office.