For Mona Cochran, the morning the Bench Fire arrived at her doorstep is one she will not forget. She had just stepped out of the shower when hotshot crews knocked on her door, ordering her to leave immediately.

"I panicked," Cochran told reporters this week. "I lost a couple tons of hay or so, and I lost my hay barn, and I lost two pickups and a car." Her house survived. Many of her neighbors were not as fortunate.

The Bench Fire -- which ignited July 23 approximately four miles southwest of Warm Springs and quickly merged with the nearby Beachcomb Fire -- has now burned more than 66,000 acres across the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation. According to the Northwest Command Center, six homes and five other structures have been destroyed.

Tribe Declares State of Emergency

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs declared a state of emergency as the fire spread, and at its peak, Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders covered most of the reservation, forcing thousands of tribal members to flee on short notice. Many residents -- particularly elders without vehicles -- relied on outside help to reach safety.

As of this week, evacuation levels have been downgraded in many areas, and residents are beginning to return home. Some parts of the reservation remain under Level 2 (Be Set) or Level 1 (Be Ready) orders as crews work to secure the perimeter ahead of expected dangerous fire weather Saturday.

Community Relief Efforts

Portland-area tribal members and businesses launched a supply drive within days of the fire starting. The Confederated Tribes have also set up an official wildfire recovery fundraiser through Zeffy to support impacted families.

Community organizers are accepting the following donations at drop-off sites:

  • Water and nonperishable food
  • Basic medical and personal hygiene supplies
  • Pet supplies
  • Gift cards and hotel donations for elders
  • Blankets, small fans, and air filters
  • Face masks and childcare supplies

Nearly 870 firefighters from tribal, local, state, and federal agencies remain assigned to the incident. Crews have made significant progress protecting homes and power infrastructure, with containment reaching 32 percent as of July 31.

A Long Road Ahead

Power outages and damaged infrastructure remain a challenge for the Warm Springs community. Fire crews have been working to repair power lines and restore services alongside suppression efforts. The Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Team is beginning to evaluate which resources can safely be reassigned as structural protection goals are met.

Those wishing to support recovery efforts can donate to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Wildfire Recovery Fund. Contact the tribe directly at warmsprings-nsn.gov for the most current information on drop-off locations and needs.