The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) are turning a corner after weeks of emergency conditions sparked by the Bench Fire — but tribal leaders are making clear that the road to full recovery will be long.

The Bench Fire, discovered July 23, grew to just over 67,000 acres before firefighters got the upper hand. As of the latest update, the fire is largely contained. A final operational update was also issued for the nearby Round Butte Fire, which burned nearly 1,200 acres and reached 90% containment.

Water System Cleared

In a significant milestone for daily life on the reservation, the CTWS Public Utilities Department (PUD) announced it is ending both a boil water notice and a water conservation order that had been in effect during the fire's peak. The PUD and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency jointly confirmed that the tribal water system is back in full compliance with all regulations and is safe for consumption without boiling.

"Please be mindful to not allow excessive water to run down roads and driveways," the PUD said in its announcement, as the system restabilizes.

The utility also thanked tribal members and community residents for cooperating with conservation measures during the crisis. That cooperation, officials said, ensured the system could deliver adequate water pressure for fire protection throughout the emergency.

Structural Firefighters Return Home

Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) structural firefighting resources assigned to the Bench Fire have completed their mission and returned to their home agencies. With the immediate threat to homes significantly reduced through coordinated suppression, their work on the reservation is done — for now.

Recovery Fund Exceeds Goal

Community and donor generosity toward the tribe has been remarkable. The CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund has raised $324,095 — 130% of its original $250,000 goal. Tribal leaders posted on Facebook that while immediate supply needs are met and storage areas are full, they are still accepting donations for long-term recovery needs.

"Your generosity after the Bench and Beachcomb Fires has helped care for families, elders, children, and neighbors. Because of that outpouring, our immediate supply needs are met. But the work ahead is bigger than this moment. Recovery will take months and years, and every gift helps our people rebuild with care, dignity, and hope."

Donations to the CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund can be made online through the tribe's official Facebook page and linked donation portal.

What's Still Needed

While the immediate emergency phase is winding down, tribal officials have emphasized that structural damage, displaced families, damaged roads, and ongoing ecological impact will require sustained attention well into 2027 and beyond. The 2025–26 fire season has been particularly punishing for the Warm Springs Reservation, compounding challenges already posed by the region's severe drought conditions.

Residents in Jefferson County with questions about ongoing evacuation levels or road closures near the Warm Springs Reservation are encouraged to check with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or warmsprings-nsn.gov for the most current information.