As containment lines finally hold around the Bench Fire, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the families scattered by weeks of evacuation are confronting a sobering reality: putting the reservation back together will take far longer than it took for the fire to race through it.

Six Homes Burned, Hundreds Displaced

The Bench Fire burned at least six homes and forced hundreds of tribal members from the 640,000-acre reservation. Many sheltered at the Old School Cafeteria at 1150 Warm Springs Street, at St. Patrick’s Church at 341 SW J Street in Madras, or in local hotels. Others simply could not leave — unwilling to abandon their livestock, their cattle, their horses, their generational land — and rode out the fire in open pastures as flames swept past.

One family described fleeing through smoke so thick they could not see ten feet ahead of the car. Another family of twelve, ranging in age from 3 to 75, worked around the clock to hold back spot fires on their ranch, rationing food as power to their well went out for a week. “It’s the land, the fish, the animals, all of it,” said Edward Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the Confederated Tribes. “We see it as interconnected.”

Water, Power, and Basic Services

Even as evacuation orders were downgraded and tribal offices reopened on July 30, residents faced boil water notices, water shortages caused by firefighting demands on the system, and sporadic electricity. On one day last week, residents on the agency water system south of Shitike Creek were told to limit water use after tanks dropped to critical levels. Tribal officials warned the reservation could run entirely out of water due to a cracked pipe under repair.

A Wildfire Recovery Distribution Center Is Open

The Warm Springs Wildfire Recovery Distribution Center has been operating at the Old School Cafeteria, offering food, water, and household supplies to affected families. Tribal officials continue to encourage those in need to reach out early, and donations are being accepted at designated drop-off points across the community. Families seeking assistance can contact the tribe’s emergency management line at (541) 419-8094.

Tribal Leadership: New Team, Enormous Task

The disaster has arrived as the Confederated Tribes transitions to new executive leadership. The tribe’s recently released Tomahawk Newsletter introduced Secretary-Treasurer and CEO Ed Henderson, Chief Operating Officer Caroline Cruz, and Director of Governmental Affairs Andrew Hofstetter. Among major initiatives already underway: a feasibility study for a new Highway 26 rest area, a planned Youth and Elder Center, and a warming and cooling shelter — all now even more urgent in the wake of the fire’s damage.

The tribe honored 68 employees for milestone years of service — a reminder of the deep institutional roots that now face the challenge of rebuilding community infrastructure, restoring services, and supporting displaced families as fire season continues.

What Neighbors Can Do

Madras and Jefferson County residents who want to support Warm Springs recovery are encouraged to:

  • Donate supplies at designated drop-off locations in Warm Springs (contact the tribal offices for current sites)
  • Give to tribal emergency relief funds directly through the Confederated Tribes at warmsprings-nsn.gov
  • Check on Warm Springs neighbors and coworkers who may be displaced and staying locally

The fire season is far from over, and the Warm Springs community will need sustained support from the broader Jefferson County region in the weeks and months ahead.