As the Bench Fire continues to displace thousands of residents from the Warm Springs Reservation, community members across Central Oregon are rallying to help. Six homes and five other structures have been confirmed destroyed, leaving families with nowhere to return — and a long road to recovery still ahead.
"When the fire came, it was very devastating for everybody that lives out there," said Mona Cochran, a Warm Springs resident who evacuated after hotshot crews knocked on her door. Cochran lost two pickup trucks, a car, a hay barn, and roughly two tons of hay — though her home survived. Others were not as fortunate.
Official Recovery Fund Now Active
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have launched an official wildfire recovery fundraiser. Monetary contributions can be made at:
zeffy.com — search "Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Wildfire Recovery Fund"
Funds will be used to support fire response operations, immediate relief for displaced families, and long-term rebuilding efforts on the reservation.
Supply Drop-Off Sites Across the Region
Community organizers coordinating the supply drive are accepting the following donations:
- Bottled water (most urgently needed)
- Nonperishable food items
- Basic medical supplies
- Personal hygiene kits
- Childcare supplies
- Pet supplies
- Blankets and small fans or box fans
- Face masks and air filters
- Gift cards
- Hotel donations for elders who cannot shelter in standard evacuation sites
Drop-off locations have been established in the Portland metro area and Central Oregon. The Pangaea Guild Hall in downtown Redmond is actively collecting water and supplies. Contact the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs directly or monitor the tribe's official Facebook page for current collection point addresses closer to Madras and Jefferson County.
Transportation Barriers Are a Real Problem
A significant challenge facing the Warm Springs community is that many tribal members — including elderly residents — lack vehicles to evacuate on their own. Community volunteers have been coordinating transportation assistance. Anyone with a truck or larger vehicle willing to help move people or belongings can reach out through the tribal government's designated contacts.
The Warm Springs Tribal Council formally declared a State of Emergency on Saturday, July 25. The declaration allows the tribe to access state and federal emergency resources and expedites coordination with Oregon Emergency Management.
What Comes Next
Recovery from a disaster of this scale takes months, not days. Even as the fire continues to burn, tribal leaders are already beginning conversations about rebuilding assistance, insurance coordination, and temporary housing. Residents wishing to stay informed can follow updates at warmsprings-nsn.gov and tune in to KWSO 91.9 FM, the tribal radio station, which has been providing continuous coverage throughout the emergency.