The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) entered a new phase of recovery this week as the Bench Fire — which burned more than 67,000 acres across the reservation and surrounding lands since its discovery on July 23 — reached near-full containment and emergency restrictions were gradually lifted.
Among the most welcome developments for tribal members: the CTWS Public Utilities Department announced it was ending a boil water notice and water conservation order that had forced thousands of residents to restrict their water use for days following the blaze. The lifting of the order marked a significant step toward restoring normal life on the reservation.
Recovery Fund Exceeds $250,000 Goal
On the financial side, the CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund — established to help families, elders, and children displaced or affected by the fires — has raised $324,095, surpassing its original $250,000 goal by 130 percent. Tribal leaders, while grateful, say the work is far from finished.
"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."
The message, posted by tribal leaders on Facebook, reflects a community determined to acknowledge progress while not losing sight of the long road ahead.
Fire Now Largely Contained
InciWeb issued a final update for the Bench Fire on August 9, signaling that active suppression operations were winding down. The Round Butte Fire, which ignited August 1 roughly five miles west of Madras and burned close to 1,200 acres, was also reported at 90 percent containment. Oregon State Fire Marshal structural firefighting resources have been released and returned to their home agencies or reassigned to other fires across the state.
The dual fires tested the county's emergency infrastructure at a critical moment in an already difficult fire season for Central Oregon, coming weeks after burn barrel closures were put in place county-wide and during a period of extended drought and red flag conditions.
How to Help
The CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund remains open for donations. Though immediate supply needs are currently met, tribal leaders say contributions will support long-term rebuilding efforts. Residents wishing to donate can visit the tribe's official Facebook page or website at warmsprings-nsn.gov for the most current giving information.
Community members are encouraged to check official tribal communications for updates on road access, utilities, and ongoing recovery programs in the weeks ahead.