Weather
Three Fires, Active Evacuations: Jefferson County in the Thick of a Dangerous Fire Season
With the Round Butte, Bench, and Akawa Butte fires all burning simultaneously and evacuation levels updated as recently as Monday night, Jefferson County residents are navigating one of the most active wildfire situations in recent years. Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect across all Central Oregon public lands.
Events
Museum at Warm Springs Kicks Off August Membership Drive, Joins 28-Partner Reciprocal Program
The Museum at Warm Springs launched its annual membership drive August 1, running through the end of the month. This year the museum is also part of a 28-organization reciprocal membership network, offering members free admission to attractions across Oregon and beyond.
Local News
Warm Springs This Week: Tribal Appreciation Day, Board Vacancies, Head Start Enrollment Open
A busy week ahead for the Warm Springs community includes Tribal Appreciation Day at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort on Wednesday, open enrollment for Head Start, a summer movie night Thursday, and three open board positions with an August 10 application deadline.
Jefferson County
Aquatic Center Recall Election: Jefferson County Voters Decide Today
Today is the deadline to cast ballots in the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District recall election. Voters in the district are deciding whether to remove four sitting board members after community frustration over budget deficits, pool closures, and failed levy measures.
Public Safety
Round Butte Fire Now 7% Contained; Command Transfers to Southwest Team as Evacuations Remain
The Round Butte Fire west of Madras held at 1,039 acres through the weekend as crews secured control lines. Command transferred Monday morning to a regional incident management team now also overseeing the Bench Fire, with Level 1–3 evacuations still active across parts of Jefferson County.
Weather
Wildfire Smoke Blankets Central Oregon: What Jefferson County Residents Need to Know
With multiple wildfires burning across Central and Eastern Oregon, including the Round Butte Fire just west of Madras, smoke is expected to remain a significant health concern for Jefferson County residents through this week. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself.