More than three weeks after the Bench Fire tore through the Warm Springs Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) Wildfire Recovery Fund has raised $324,095 — surpassing its original $250,000 goal by 30 percent, tribal leaders announced this week.

The fund, established in late July as the Bench Fire exploded to more than 60,000 acres and cut power and clean water to thousands of reservation residents, has drawn donations from across Oregon and the country. Community organizations in Portland set up drop-off points for emergency supplies, and the Warm Springs Water Coalition coordinated collection drives at multiple sites.

Evacuation Notices Lifted, Recovery Continues

All evacuation notices on the Warm Springs Reservation have been lifted as firefighters achieved significant containment of the Bench Fire in recent weeks. But tribal leaders are clear: the lifting of evacuation orders does not mean recovery is complete.

Infrastructure damage — including to power lines, water systems, and roads — will require months or years of repair work. Some households still face disruptions to services knocked out during the fire's most destructive phase.

"Every home is a big loss. We are grateful for the outpouring of support, but we want people to understand this is a years-long effort."

How to Help

Tribal leaders say the Recovery Fund remains open and donations continue to be needed as the longer-term rebuilding phase begins. Residents and businesses throughout Jefferson County and Central Oregon are encouraged to contribute.

  • Donate online at the official CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund page at warmsprings-nsn.gov
  • To coordinate supply drop-offs, contact Chief Operations Officer Caroline Cruz at 541-460-1109 or caroline.cruz@wstribes.org

The Bench Fire was one of several major fires that struck Central Oregon this summer, including the Round Butte Fire that prompted Level 3 evacuation notices in parts of Jefferson County on August 1. Jefferson County Fire and EMS also closed burn barrels countywide effective August 4 for the remainder of the 2026 fire season.

The Madras Bulletin will continue to follow the Warm Springs recovery effort as the community works to rebuild.