The Bench Fire that tore through the Warm Springs Reservation in late July has burned more than 67,000 acres and left a deep scar across the landscape — but with containment lines now firmly established, tribal leaders are turning their attention to what comes next: a recovery effort that could stretch for years.
A final operational update from InciWeb was issued earlier this week for both the Bench Fire and the neighboring Round Butte Fire, which burned nearly 1,200 acres before reaching 90 percent containment. Oregon State Fire Marshal structural firefighting resources assigned to the Bench Fire have been released and returned to their home agencies or reassigned to other fires across the state.
Boil Water Notice Lifted
In a significant milestone for residents, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Public Utilities Department announced this week that a boil water notice affecting reservation households has been lifted, and water conservation restrictions have also ended. For many families, the notice had been in effect since the fire swept through, compounding the stress of evacuation and displacement.
Power restoration efforts have also been ongoing, with crews working to bring utilities back to areas impacted by fire damage to infrastructure.
Recovery Fund Surpasses Goal
Community support for Warm Springs has been overwhelming. The CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund, launched in the immediate aftermath of the fire, has raised $324,095 — 130 percent of its original $250,000 goal — according to tribal leaders who posted an update on Facebook this week.
“Your generosity after the Bench and Beachcomb Fires has helped care for families, elders, children, and neighbors,” tribal leaders wrote. “Because of that outpouring, our immediate supply needs are met, and storage areas are full. But the work ahead is bigger than this moment. Recovery will take months and years, and every gift helps our people rebuild with care, dignity, and hope.”
What Recovery Looks Like
Tribal officials have made clear that while the emergency phase is winding down, the recovery phase is just beginning. The fire burned through timber, rangeland, cultural sites, and infrastructure across the reservation. Assessments of structural damage, erosion risk, and environmental impact are expected to continue for weeks.
Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect across Jefferson County and Warm Springs. Residents are reminded that fire weather conditions — hot, dry, and breezy — persist, and any open burning remains prohibited.
How to Help
Those wishing to contribute to ongoing recovery efforts can donate to the CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund through Zeffy (search “Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Wildfire Recovery Fund”). Tribal officials note that while supply donations are currently not needed, financial contributions remain welcome as the community works toward long-term rebuilding.
For the latest updates on reservation conditions, road access, and community programs, residents can follow the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on Facebook or visit warmsprings-nsn.gov.