Life is slowly returning to normal on the Warm Springs Reservation after a punishing stretch of wildfire activity this summer. All reservation evacuation levels have been lifted, and community attention is turning to recovery and the upcoming school year.

Emergency Distribution Winding Down

A community distribution center set up at the Old School Cafeteria during the height of the fire emergency has concluded operations there. Emergency Management has since moved distribution services to 1116 Wasco Street as the recovery phase shifts to longer-term support.

The community center operated under the coordination of Tribal Emergency Management, distributing food, supplies, and essential goods to residents who were displaced or affected by smoke and heat. Tribal officials have expressed gratitude to volunteers and partner agencies for their support throughout the emergency response.

Back-to-School Yard Sale This Friday

The Warm Springs Community Wellness Center is hosting its annual Back to School Yard Sale this Friday. Families and bargain hunters should note that parking will be directed to the rear lot while Warm Springs Public Utilities completes resealing and repainting of the main parking area. Organizers ask attendees to drive carefully around increased pedestrian traffic.

Youth enrolled in the Recreation Department’s swimming programs should also use the rear parking area this week during drop-off and pickup.

Early Childhood Education Enrollment Now Open

For families with young children, the Warm Springs Early Childhood Education Day Care Program is now accepting admissions for the 2026–2027 school year through the Brightwheel platform.

  • Infant/Toddler: Infant/Toddler Admissions Packet available through Brightwheel
  • Strider/Pre-school: Strider/Pre-school Admissions Packet available through Brightwheel
  • Contact: Tiana Northrup at 541-553-3241 for enrollment questions

Summer Internship Program Wraps Up

Oregon non-profit Wallowa Resources recently completed its eight-week paid summer internship program, the High School Apprenticeship Work Program (HAWK), which introduced young people from the region to careers in natural resources alongside industry professionals. The program placed interns with federal and tribal land management agencies throughout Central Oregon, providing hands-on field experience.

Program representative Jacob Losby noted that participants gained practical skills in forestry, rangeland management, and watershed restoration — careers with strong local employment potential given Jefferson County’s landscape and the reservation’s ongoing land stewardship needs.

Air Quality Remains a Concern

While the fire front has receded, smoke from ongoing fires continues to affect residents. Health officials continue to urge Warm Springs community members — especially children and elders — to monitor air quality and limit outdoor activity on heavy smoke days. Air quality updates are available through AirNow.gov and the Warm Springs Natural Resources Department.