Eight homes and at least five additional structures have been destroyed on the Warm Springs Reservation by the Bench Fire, leaving dozens of tribal members displaced and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs scrambling to coordinate recovery efforts even as the fire continues to burn.
Shelters Open at Tribal Headquarters
In the days following the initial Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations that cleared much of the reservation last weekend, tribal officials established emergency shelters in the cafeteria and gymnasium of a former school at the agency headquarters. Many residents who could not access their homes returned there, and the American Red Cross also opened an evacuation center in Madras to serve displaced residents from across Jefferson County.
As of Thursday, the Warm Springs Agency District was downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2 "Be Set" status, allowing some residents to begin returning to check on their properties — though officials cautioned that the fire remains active and conditions could change quickly with this weekend's expected Red Flag weather.
Recovery Fund Launched
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have launched a wildfire recovery fundraiser to support community members impacted by the fire. Donations can be made online through the tribe's official channels. Community organizers across the Pacific Northwest have also rallied to gather supplies — including first aid materials, non-perishable food, hygiene products, and water — for delivery to the reservation.
"The whole rez is on fire," one tribal member told reporters covering the disaster. "Everybody has really come together."
Organizations accepting physical donations for transport to Warm Springs include drop-off sites in the Portland metro area. For financial contributions, the tribe's recovery fund is the most direct way to support displaced families.
Tribal Community Meeting Thursday
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs held a community meeting Thursday, open exclusively to tribal members, where personnel from both incident management teams provided Bench Fire updates and answered questions. Additional public meetings — open to all area residents — are expected to be announced in the coming days as the situation evolves.
Power and Infrastructure Damage
The fire has damaged hydro power facilities and electric transmission lines serving the reservation, complicating both firefighting logistics and the eventual return of displaced residents. Repair crews have been working to restore critical infrastructure as fire conditions allow.
The Bench Fire ignited July 23 and exploded in size after high winds drove embers across the Deschutes River canyon on the night of July 25-26, igniting spot fires along both sides of Highway 26 east of Warm Springs. At its peak, the fire prompted Level 3 evacuations for the entire reservation and much of Jefferson County.
For information on how to donate or volunteer, visit the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs official website or follow their Facebook page for the most current links and guidance.