Severe Drought Squeezes Jefferson County Farms and Ranches Heading Into August

The Airshow of the Cascades is returning to Madras on August 28–29 with one of its most exciting lineups yet, headlined by the U.S. Navy's F-18 Growler Demonstration Team and the Patriot Jet Team. The two-day event also features a car show, live music, and vendors.

Firefighters have pushed containment on the Bench Fire to 84%, and all evacuation levels on the Warm Springs Reservation were lowered to Level 1 'Be Ready' on Monday. A recovery distribution center remains open for affected families.

Jefferson County is counting ballots in a special recall election for the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District board, after a citizens group alleged ethical and financial misconduct involving the district's leadership.

The Round Butte Fire west of Madras has grown to 1,091 acres with 12% containment as of Tuesday. Crews secured the perimeter overnight and are now mopping up, but near-record heat forecast for Wednesday threatens to complicate firefighting efforts.

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.