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.
Jefferson County
Drought and Fire: Jefferson County Farmers Navigate a Punishing 2026 Summer
With 94 percent of Jefferson County locked in severe drought and the Round Butte Fire burning across drought-stressed fields and grasslands west of Madras, the county’s agricultural community is facing a double blow: a season-long water shortage and now the added threat of wildfire.
Local News
Warm Springs Community This Week: Youth Day Camp, Kah-Nee-Ta Appreciation Day, Museum Membership Drive
A busy week ahead for the Warm Springs community, with the Prevention Team’s 6th annual Building Resiliency Summer Day Camp kicking off Monday, Tribal Appreciation Day at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort on Wednesday, and the Museum at Warm Springs’ annual membership drive running all month.
Events
Airshow of the Cascades to Feature Two Jet Teams for First Time Ever This August
The 26th Annual Bright Wood Airshow of the Cascades is shaping up to be the biggest in Madras history, with the U.S. Navy’s elite EA-18G Growler Demonstration Team and the six-jet Patriot Jet Team both confirmed for August 28-29 at Madras Municipal Airport.
Public Safety
Round Butte Fire Grows to 1,039 Acres West of Madras; Some Evacuation Zones Reduced
A fast-moving wildfire that ignited Friday afternoon on the south slope of Round Butte has burned 1,039 acres as of Sunday morning and remains at zero percent containment, though firefighters made enough overnight progress for Jefferson County to begin lifting some evacuation levels.
Local News
Extreme Drought Grips Jefferson County; Farmers and Ranchers Brace for Difficult Summer
Jefferson County saw one of the sharpest drought escalations in Oregon last month, jumping from under 6% to more than 43% extreme drought coverage in a single week. With fires burning, water rights under pressure, and a dry winter in the rear-view mirror, local farmers and ranchers are navigating one of the toughest summer seasons in years.