Four residents are without a home after an explosion-triggered fire tore through a house in the 600 block of Southeast Turner Street in Madras on Tuesday morning, June 2.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS arrived at the scene at 8:06 a.m. to find smoke pouring from the front door of the residence. The initial call had come in as a reported explosion inside the home. Fortunately, all four occupants had already exited the structure before emergency crews reached the scene and no injuries were reported.

The fire brought together a multi-agency response from across the region. Warm Springs Fire Safety provided medical standby services, while Madras Police and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office managed traffic control in the surrounding area. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the cause-and-origin investigation, which remains ongoing.

The American Red Cross provided immediate support to the displaced residents, a standard response in Jefferson County when families are forced from their homes by fire.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire has not been determined as of Thursday. The involvement of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office indicates investigators are treating the origin of the blaze as a priority.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS interim chief Kasey Skaar has been overseeing fire response for the department during what has been an active period for structure fires in and around Madras. Earlier the same week, crews responded to a separate residential fire on NE Collins Drive.

Residents on SE Turner Street and neighboring blocks experienced temporary traffic disruptions while crews worked the scene and Sheriff’s deputies managed the perimeter.

A Reminder About Fire Safety

With Oregon’s 2026 fire season now in effect since May 8, Jefferson County Fire & EMS encourages residents to test smoke alarms, keep flammable materials away from heat sources, and know their home’s escape routes. Anyone who witnesses signs of fire or smells smoke or gas should immediately evacuate and call 911.

The Red Cross can be reached at 1-800-RED-CROSS for families in need of emergency assistance following a disaster.