With the Bench Fire now largely contained after burning more than 67,000 acres across the Warm Springs Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) say the community's immediate emergency needs are met — but the real work of recovery is just getting started.

The CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund has raised $324,095, surpassing its original $250,000 goal by 30 percent. Tribal leaders issued a statement on Facebook thanking donors while making clear that long-term support remains essential.

"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, and storage areas are full. 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."

Water Service Restored

In a significant milestone for daily life on the reservation, the CTWS Public Utilities Department announced this week that it has ended its boil-water notice and water conservation order — which had been in place since the fire swept through critical infrastructure in late July. Residents had gone without safe tap water for nearly two weeks during the fire's most destructive phase.

Fire Now Largely Contained

The Bench Fire was discovered on July 23 and rapidly exploded in size during a stretch of extreme heat and wind, growing by nearly 20,000 acres in a single day at one point. Structural firefighting resources from the Oregon State Fire Marshal completed their mission and returned to home agencies after successfully protecting homes and key community buildings. A final update from InciWeb was issued on August 9, indicating the fire was largely contained at 67,000-plus acres.

The companion Round Butte Fire reached approximately 1,200 acres and was 90 percent contained as of last week.

How to Help

CTWS leaders say donations are still welcomed and will be directed toward longer-term housing, infrastructure repair, and family recovery assistance. Contributions can be made through the official CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund at zeffy.com — search "CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund" — where 100% of donations go directly to the tribe.

Residents and businesses across Jefferson County and greater Central Oregon who wish to contribute supplies or volunteer time are encouraged to check the official CTWS website at warmsprings-nsn.gov and their Facebook page for the most current guidance on what is still needed.