All evacuation orders and advisories on the Warm Springs Reservation have been lifted, tribal officials confirmed this week, offering long-awaited relief to community members who spent weeks living under the threat of encroaching wildfires from multiple fronts across Central Oregon.

The announcement came as the Rowe Creek Complex — the massive multi-fire cluster that at its peak stretched across portions of Crook, Jefferson, Wasco, and Wheeler counties — reached 76 percent containment as of August 8, with more than 1,700 personnel continuing mop-up operations across its 364,000-plus acre footprint.

To help residents recover and restock in the wake of the emergency, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs opened a community distribution center at the Old School Cafeteria, operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. Beginning Tuesday, distribution operations shifted to the Tribal Emergency Management office at 1116 Wasco Street, where assistance will continue as the community transitions back to normal operations.

Smoke Health Warning Remains in Effect

While the immediate evacuation threat has passed, Warm Springs Tribal Health physician Dr. Michaela Frye is urging residents to remain cautious about lingering wildfire smoke, which continues to blanket much of the region.

“Fine particles from wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and eyes, especially for children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with existing respiratory conditions,” Dr. Frye said.

Recommended protective steps include:

  • Keep windows and doors closed during smoky periods
  • Replace HVAC and furnace filters to reduce indoor particulate buildup
  • Avoid indoor burning, including candles and wood stoves
  • Seek emergency care if experiencing severe shortness of breath or chest pain

Residents can monitor real-time air quality through AirNow.gov, PurpleAir, or by contacting the Warm Springs Natural Resources Department directly.

Early Childhood Education Enrollment Now Open

In other tribal news, the Warm Springs Early Childhood Education program is accepting admissions for its 2026–27 Day Care Program. Enrollment packets for infant/toddler and Strider/preschool slots are available through the Brightwheel app. Families with questions can contact Tiana Northrup at 541-553-3241.

The Warm Springs Community Health mobile medical clinic also returns to Smurfville Tuesday, August 11, from noon to 2 p.m., offering medical appointments, medications, and STI testing for community members.