Residents across Jefferson County have spent much of the past two weeks breathing some of the worst air in the region, as wildfire smoke from multiple large fires blankets Central Oregon. With the Rowe Creek Complex at 364,000 acres, the Bench Fire still burning on the Warm Springs Reservation, and dozens of other fires active statewide, health officials say the smoke isn't going away soon.

Who Is Most at Risk

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles — known as PM2.5 — that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. The following groups face the greatest health risks during poor air quality events:

  • Children and infants
  • Adults over 65
  • Pregnant women
  • People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions
  • Outdoor workers

Even healthy adults can experience irritation, coughing, headaches, and reduced lung function during prolonged smoke exposure.

Steps to Protect Yourself

  • Check air quality daily at AirNow.gov — enter your zip code for Madras (97741), Culver (97734), or Warm Springs (97761)
  • Stay indoors when AQI is Unhealthy (150+) or worse, with windows and doors closed
  • Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter if you have one — or make a DIY box fan filter using a furnace filter
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during high smoke days — reschedule hikes, runs, and yard work
  • N95 respirator masks provide protection; cloth masks and surgical masks do not filter fine particles effectively
  • Keep vehicles' recirculation on while driving to limit smoke intake inside the car

Oregon's Worst Fire Season on Record

Oregon has burned close to two million acres in 2026 — surpassing all previous records. The combination of an early dry season, persistent heat, low humidity, and wind has created near-constant Red Flag conditions since mid-July. Jefferson County Fire & EMS banned burn barrel use starting August 4 for the remainder of the fire season.

Health officials note that smoke conditions can change rapidly as wind shifts and fire behavior fluctuates. Text COFIRE to 888-777 for Central Oregon wildfire alerts, and sign up for Jefferson County emergency notifications at jeffco.net.