Jefferson County is in the grip of an unprecedented wildfire emergency this week, with four significant fires burning simultaneously across the county. Combined, the blazes have scorched more than 370,000 acres and forced evacuation orders in communities from Warm Springs to Culver and Metolius. Here is where each fire stands as of Tuesday, July 28.

Bench Fire — 45,209 Acres | 0% Contained

The Bench Fire southwest of Warm Springs is the most urgent threat. Started July 23 from an undetermined cause, it has burned through grass, shrubs, and ponderosa pine at a staggering pace. Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders are in place across much of the Warm Springs Agency District, including Greeley Heights, West Hill, Shitike Creek, Pelton Park, and Lake Simtustus. Six homes have been destroyed. Oregon State Fire Marshal teams are defending structures and hydroelectric dams on the Deschutes River while working to contain the fire south of Tenino Road.

Akawa Butte Fire — 27,433 Acres | 6% Contained

Nine miles northwest of Crooked River Ranch, the Akawa Butte Fire has established evacuation orders across portions of both Jefferson and Deschutes counties. Crews are using infrared detection to pinpoint heat sources on the northern flank, allowing firefighters to move in and extinguish hotspots. A community briefing was held Tuesday evening, July 28, at Sisters High School and is available for replay on the Sisters–Camp Sherman Fire District’s Facebook page. Some Akawa crews are being redeployed to the more dangerous Bench Fire as conditions demand.

Rowe Creek Complex–West Zone — ~295,000 Acres | 33% Contained

East of Culver and Metolius, the Crosswhite, Brewer, and Green Mountain fires have merged into the Rowe Creek Complex–West Zone — one of the largest fire complexes in recent Oregon history. Nearly 1,400 firefighters are assigned to the complex, which stretches across Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, and Wasco counties and into portions of the Crooked River National Grassland. Level 3 evacuation orders are in place in multiple zones. Crews made progress along the northern perimeter as conditions improved in Wheeler County, and some evacuation zones there have been downgraded. Structural protection along Highway 26 southwest of the complex remains a priority.

Ten Mile Fire — 4,800 Acres | 94% Contained

The best news in Jefferson County’s fire situation: the Ten Mile Fire, burning 11 miles northeast of Madras near the Highway 97 and 197 junction, is now 94% contained. The Central Oregon Type 3 team has significantly strengthened control lines around the perimeter, cooling much of the fire’s interior. Only one evacuation order remains in Jefferson County related to this fire, and full containment is expected in the coming days.

How to Stay Informed

  • Evacuation map: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office GIS portal (fr911orgis.maps.arcgis.com)
  • Fire updates: centraloregonfire.org | watchduty.org
  • Road conditions: tripcheck.com
  • Air quality: fire.airnow.gov | purpleair.com
  • Emergency alerts: Sign up through Jefferson County Emergency Management
  • Report a new fire start: Call 9-1-1

Conditions across Central Oregon remain critical with continued hot temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds forecast through the week. Residents in and around Jefferson County should monitor evacuation zones closely and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice if orders are issued for their area.