Travelers and Jefferson County residents face ongoing challenges from wildfire smoke and road restrictions as the Bench Fire continues to burn along the U.S. Highway 26 corridor between Warm Springs and the junction with Highway 35 near Mount Hood.

US 26 Pilot Car Operations

U.S. Highway 26 through the Warm Springs area is currently operating under a controlled pilot-car system. Vehicles are escorted through the burned area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The highway is closed entirely from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to allow firefighters to work safely and reduce the risk to motorists in active fire zones.

Oregon Department of Transportation and TripCheck.com urge travelers to check road conditions before departing. Do not rely on GPS navigation to find alternate routes — many suggested alternates pass through other active fire areas or closed roads. There are currently limited east-west alternate routes available for travelers heading between the Portland metro and Central Oregon.

Air Quality Advisory in Effect

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for Jefferson County and surrounding areas due to dense wildfire smoke from the Bench Fire and other Central and Eastern Oregon blazes. The advisory, which has been in effect intermittently for more than a week, may remain in place through the weekend given ongoing fire activity and forecast wind patterns.

Health Recommendations

  • Limit time outdoors, especially strenuous activity
  • Keep windows and doors closed when possible
  • Run air conditioning on recirculate mode, not fresh air
  • Use N95 or KN95 respirator masks if you must be outside for extended periods
  • Those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions should take extra precautions and consult their doctor
  • Check on elderly neighbors and those without air conditioning

The Oregon Smoke Blog at oregonsmoke.org provides daily air quality outlooks specific to Jefferson County and the broader Central Oregon region. The AirNow app and website (airnow.gov) show real-time AQI readings for the Madras area.

Weekend Outlook: Red Flag Conditions

Compounding concerns, fire meteorologists are forecasting low humidity and potentially elevated winds this weekend — conditions that could prompt a Red Flag Warning for Jefferson County and surrounding areas. Residents should have evacuation plans ready and avoid any outdoor burning, spark-producing equipment, or activities that could ignite new fires.

Campfires and recreational burning are prohibited throughout Jefferson County under current fire restrictions. Violations can result in significant fines and liability for suppression costs.

Stay Informed

  • Road conditions: tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1
  • Evacuation orders: jeffco.net or Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on Facebook
  • Fire information: centraloregonfire.org
  • Air quality: oregonsmoke.org or airnow.gov
  • Fire information hotline: 541-707-8719 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Jefferson County Public Health is also available at 541-475-4456 for questions about smoke health impacts.