Local News

Warm Springs Reservation – Bench Fire 22% Containment

Posted on by sue.matters
29
Jul

7/29/26 5:20pm

Incident Command Set Up at Madras High School

This morning’s Bench Fire Morning Briefing  was conducted by Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 and Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team – in joint command since yesterday morning. (Jul 28, 2026)
Fire personnel assigned to the Bench Fire increased to close to 586 people today. With the capacity needed to serve that number, the Incident Command post was established at MHS.  The forward operating base will be at CTWS Fire Management in Warm Springs.

Firefighters continue making progress on the Bench Fire burning southwest of Warm Springs, allowing evacuation levels to be reduced in parts of the Warm Springs Reservation while suppression efforts remain active around the fire.  As of Wednesday morning, July 29, 2026, the Bench Fire has burned 60,271 acres and is 3 percent contained.  This afternoon, the fire was updated to be at  22% containment.   Fire behavior continues in grass, shrub and ponderosa pine fuels.

Warm Springs Public Safety announced that portions of the Agency area have been reduced from a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation to a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation because of significant progress made by firefighting crews.

Areas now under Level 2 evacuation include the Campus Area, Museum at Warm Springs, Community Center, Elmer Quinn Park, West Hills, Tenino Apartments, Elliott Heights, Greeley Heights and the east end of Tenino Valley.

A Level 3 evacuation remains in effect for the west end of Tenino Valley, Dry Hollow, Lower Seekseequa and Upper Seekseequa. Residents in those areas should remain prepared to leave immediately if conditions change.

While evacuation levels have improved on the reservation, fire activity has increased on the southwest perimeter. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has expanded evacuations near Camp Sherman, placing the northeast corner of Camp Sherman under a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation, with nearby areas upgraded to Level 2. Portions of the Lake Billy Chinook area have also seen increased evacuation levels.

Fire Operations Continue

The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 and the Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team remain in unified command of the fire.  Firefighters spent Tuesday conducting firing operations along the northwest edge of the fire to strengthen containment lines. Today crews are securing those lines, mopping up hotspots on the east side of the fire and continuing work on contingency fire lines.  Aerial firefighting resources are now assigned to the Bench Fire and are conducting strategic helicopter bucket drops. Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces continue structure protection patrols around homes in the Pelton Dam and Seekseequa Road areas, extinguishing flare-ups and lingering heat near residences.  Warm, dry weather and smoke are expected to continue affecting Central Oregon over the next several days.

Fire Perimeter

Community Meeting Thursday Evening

A public community meeting will be held Thursday, July 30, at 6 p.m. at the Warm Springs Community Center.  Incident management officials and Tribal leaders will provide the latest information on fire activity, suppression efforts and evacuation status. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Bench Fire Facebook page for those unable to attend in person.  KWSO will broadcast the meeting live.

Tribal Offices and Services Reopening

As conditions improve in parts of the reservation, several Tribal programs will resume operations Thursday.

  • Warm Springs Tribal offices will reopen Thursday.
  • Indian Health Service Clinic programs will operate on their regular schedule.
  • Families with scheduled Head Start and Early Childhood Education physical appointments are asked to attend at their assigned times.
  • The Warm Springs Senior Program will remain closed through the rest of the week.

CTWS Evacuation Level Update 07.29.26 

Assistance Available for Evacuees

Anyone who has evacuated or needs assistance because of the wildfires can receive help at the Old School Cafeteria or contact Warm Springs Emergency Management at 541-419-8094.

Emergency Management also continues water distribution from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including through the noon hour, now through Friday.

Water Conservation and Boil Water Notice Remain in Effect

An Emergency Water Conservation Order remains in effect until further notice for:

  • Culpus Ranch
  • Sunnyside
  • Wolfe Point
  • Dry Creek
  • Industrial Park
  • Miller Heights
  • Campus
  • Highway 26 corridor
  • Greeley Heights
  • Trailer Courts
  • Tenino Apartments
  • Tenino Valley
  • West Hills

A precautionary Boil Water Notice also remains in effect because low water pressure may affect the water system.

Community Events Continue

The weekly Thursday Market will take place Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Campus Pavilion.  KWSO will host drawings for Indian Head Casino concert tickets at 2 p.m. Visitors can enter by stopping at the KWSO booth during the market.

Kah-Nee-Ta Resort is also offering free pool admission today and Thursday for Warm Springs and Madras residents from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to provide a break from wildfire conditions. The resort is also offering 50 percent off its River Adventure during the same period.

Help for Pets

Fences For Fido reminds families who have received assistance through the organization that pets injured because of the wildfire can receive treatment at Madras Animal Hospital at no cost. Families should identify themselves as Fences For Fido clients when arriving at the hospital.

Wildfire Recovery Donations

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs has established the CTWS Wildfire Recovery FUND to support response and recovery efforts related to the Bench Fire. Community members, organizations and partners who wish to assist can make financial contributions through the fund. Tribal officials are also coordinating volunteer assistance through designated Tribal contacts.

sue.matters