The Bench Fire burning 4 miles south of Warm Springs on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation has grown to 66,760 acres and destroyed at least eight homes and five other structures, displacing tribal members and prompting Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for the entire Warm Springs community. The fire is currently 47 percent contained, managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with interagency support.

The fire, which began as two separate blazes — the Bench and Beachcomb fires — merged over a weekend of extreme fire activity in late July to create a single massive incident. With three potential fronts threatening the Warm Springs community at various points during the fire's growth, residents faced an anxious and difficult evacuation as firefighters scrambled to protect structures throughout the reservation.

Community Displacement and Recovery

"Devastating" is how many tribal members have described the fire's impact on their community. Warm Springs Secretary-Treasurer and CEO Edward Henderson has worked closely with state and federal partners to coordinate emergency response and support for displaced residents. While some tribal members have been able to return as containment has improved, others remain unable to go home.

"Thankfully, my house is still standing. Some of my neighbors were not as lucky," one Warm Springs tribal member told reporters last week. The fire's destruction of eight homes represents a significant loss in a rural reservation community where housing resources are already limited.

Oregon Governor's emergency declaration for the fire enables additional state resources and coordination for recovery assistance. Federal emergency support is also being accessed through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to assist tribal members who have lost their homes.

Fire Details and Current Status

The Bench Fire is burning in Jefferson County on the Warm Springs Agency, managed by the BIA with support from the Northwest Command Center. At 47% containment, significant progress has been made since the fire's peak expansion, but with extreme wind events forecast for this weekend, fire managers remain cautious about the potential for additional growth.

The fire information contact number is 541-707-8719. Evacuation levels are being managed by the Warm Springs Tribal Police and Jefferson County Emergency Management.

Oregon's Broader Evacuation Crisis

The Bench Fire is one of many Oregon fires forcing community evacuations this summer. OPB and other outlets have reported that thousands of Oregonians are currently under evacuation orders or warnings as fires burn simultaneously across central and eastern Oregon. Key communities impacted include:

  • Warm Springs — Level 3 orders for much of the reservation (Bench Fire)
  • Jordan Valley — Level 3 orders for town and surrounding areas (Big Grass Fire)
  • Mitchell area — Widespread evacuations in Wheeler County (Shingle Fire)
  • Leavenworth, WA area — Level 3 in White River drainage (Little Giant Fire)
  • Pendleton area — Level warnings in effect for Hagen Fire, Umatilla National Forest

What the Warm Springs Community Needs

Tribal leadership has asked that outside visitors stay out of the reservation during active fire operations to allow emergency responders to operate safely. Donations and support for affected Warm Springs community members can be directed through the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs official channels.

As fire weather conditions intensify this weekend, the Bench Fire's status could change rapidly. All Warm Springs residents should remain registered with tribal emergency services and maintain readiness to relocate if evacuation orders are reinstated or expanded.