Bench & Beachcomb Fires – Morning Updates

7/26/26 8:44am

MORNING BRIEFING

Bench Fire
Start Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Cause: Under investigation
Location: Four miles southwest of Warm Springs
Acres: 6,201
Containment: 0%
Evacuations: Listed below
Resources: 2 Crews, 5 Engines, 1 Dozer, 2 Water tenders,
1 Helicopter

Beachcomb Fire
Start Date: Thursday, July 23, 2025
Cause: Under investigation
Location: Four miles south of Warm Springs
Acres: 2,352
Containment: 0%
Evacuations: Listed below
Resources: 2 Crews, 1 Engine, 2 Dozers, 1 Water tenderHighlights: Both fires remain very active with potential for extreme fire behavior with wind-driven runs and long-range spotting. Firefighters shifted from containment line construction to point protection on Saturday as Beachcomb Fire activity increased on the east side of the fire perimeter, spreading across the Deschutes River and northeast across U.S. Highway 26.

Summary: Today, crews will conduct structure protection around residences, commercial buildings, power lines and dam facilities while looking for holding features and opportunities to limit fire spread. On the south side, crews will extend handline from the M-100 Road toward the 24 Road and the river while evaluating options to connect the Bench and Beachcomb fires. Near Warm Springs, crews reinforced an existing dozer line with strategic firing operations and are improving lines near the 213 and 212 roads. Crews also will continue  structure protection in Dry Hollow and along the 24 Road, patrol areas where retardant held and scout east of the Deschutes River for values at risk and holding opportunities.

Weather: Temperatures will reach about 90 degrees with minimum relative humidity of 17-22% and west winds, shifting briefly north and gusting to 24 mph afternoon into the evening. Overnight temperatures will fall to 53-56 degrees, with humidity recovering to 68-73%.

Evacuations and Road Impacts: GO evacuation notices remain in effect for the Warm Springs Agency District, including all of Greeley Heights, Tenino Apartments, Trailer Courts, West Hill, Elmer Quinn Park, the Campus Area, and any residents along Shitike Creek. GO evacuation notices also remain in place for Pelton Park, Pelton Dam, Dry Hollow and Lake Simtustus. Residents should follow local emergency notifications and evacuation instructions. Due to fire impact, the Oregon Department of Transportation has put out a road closure for US 26.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 fire restrictions in Jefferson County/Warm Springs
Stage 2 restrictions prohibit campfires outside designated areas, fireworks, blasting, debris burning, exploding targets and tracer ammunition. Bottled-fuel appliances are allowed in cleared areas. Chainsaw use is prohibited from 1-8 p.m.; off-road motorcycle and ATV use is limited to improved roads, with limited landowner exceptions.  https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTWSFireMgt
Bench/ Beachcomb Fire Public Email: 2026.bench@firenet.gov
Public/Media Phone: 541-707-8719

7/26/25 6:41am

ODOT: Central Ore.: U.S. 26 has reopened between the junction with OR 35 near Mt. Hood and Cherry Lane on the north end of Madras, milepost 57 to 115, following overnight closure for wildfire activity.