Level 3 Evacuation Order Seekseequa to the Agency Area on the Warm Springs Reservation

7/25/26 10:06pm

ODOT reports that Highway 26 is closed between the junction with OR 35 near Mt. Hood and Cherry Lane on the north end of Madras, milepost 57 to 115, due to wildfire activity. Eastbound travelers coming over Mt. Hood can use OR 35 to I-84 to detour around the closure and reach central Oregon. Roads near wildfires can open or close with little notice. Check TripCheck.com before you travel and throughout your trip for the latest closures and conditions.

7/25/26 9:30pm

Fire was visible on the hill behind Greeley Heights in what was apparently a back burn to create defensible space.  That hasn’t been officially confirmed but appears to be what occurred.

Some traffic moved on Highway 26 for a moment but ODOT reports the road closed still.  Active fire on both sides of the highway.

7/25/26 8:40pm

Warm Springs – Seekseequa to Agency residents under level 3 evacuation notice who want to evacuate can still go to the shelter at the Old Elementary Cafeteria since Highway 26 remains closed to Madras.  You can also go to Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort and park with the option of sleeping in your vehicle.  Kah-Nee-Ta can offer rest room access however they are short staffed due to the wildfires and so other services are not available.

Stay safe everyone!

7/25/26 7:50pm

Zones NW17-W, NW14-W & NW13-W have been upgraded to Level 3 GO NOW evacuation levels.  If you are in the area – please monitor the sites mentioned below for updates.

 

7/25/26 7:30pm

Wildfire crossed Highway 26 with evacuation orders now in effect for Jefferson County Zones NW10-w, NW9-m and NW9-e.  Residents in the area should check on both the Bench Fire and Beachcomb Fire for updates.  Download Watch Duty to your phone or follow the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Facebook Page for updates.

 

7/25/26 7pm

ODOT is reporting that US 26 is closed 5 miles south of Warm Springs between mileposts 108 – 111.  All lanes are affected and ODOT suggests an alternate route.

For folks from Warm Springs trying to get to the Red Cross Shelter in Madras, an alternate route might be going through Simnasho to Hwy 216 to Hwy 197 to Hwy 97.  Because of the highway closure – the shelter at the old school cafeteria will continue to operate

Please avoid the Highway 26 area where the closure is to allow firefighting operations to proceed safely.  There is heavy smoke and fire crossed the road.

 

7/25/26 6pm

The Warm Springs Police Department has issued a Level 3 – Go Now order for the Warm Springs Agency Area including -West Hills, Trailer Court, Greeley Heights, Shitike Creek and her Agency areas south of Highway 26.  Also remaining at Level 3 is for Upper and Lower Seekseequa, Dry Hollow, Jackson Trail and Lake Simtustus, & Tenino Valley,

For those leaving their homes, the Red Cross evacuation shelter is at St. Patrick’s Church in Madras. Transportation assistance is available by calling 541-419-8094. Livestock owners can use the Jefferson County Fairgrounds shelter and arrange assistance through 541-325-2253.

The Bench and Beachcomb fires began after lightning storms on July 23 in the Seekseequa area west of Warm Springs. The Bench Fire has grown to nearly 7,000 acres under hot, dry and windy conditions.

Firefighters and emergency personnel continue to work aggressively to protect lives and property. Please avoid the affected areas unless absolutely necessary and follow all instructions from emergency responders.

For the latest evacuation information and maps, visit: https://caltopo.com/m/JJL6U6K