Bench Fire Engulfs Warm Springs Reservation: Level 3 'Go Now' Orders, Homes Destroyed

The Bench Fire in Jefferson County, Oregon, has exploded to 40,296 acres after merging with the adjacent Beachcomb Fire, prompting Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for all of the Warm Springs community and destroying at least six homes and five other structures on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation.

Fire Behavior and Growth

The Bench Fire ignited July 23, 2026, likely during a severe lightning storm that swept across central Oregon. Within days, it merged with the nearby Beachcomb Fire — which also sparked during the same storm event — to form a single, unified fire now tracked under the Bench Fire name. The combined fire has burned approximately 4 miles southwest of the Warm Springs community.

Fire behavior has been extreme, with the blaze burning in dry timber and brush under conditions of low relative humidity, high temperatures, and erratic winds. The fire's rapid spread west and north toward the Warm Springs community triggered the evacuation escalations that have displaced hundreds of residents.

Evacuation Orders

Jefferson County officials have issued Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders — the highest evacuation level — for all of Warm Springs and other threatened areas of Jefferson County. Level 3 orders mean residents must leave immediately; there is no time to gather belongings and roads may be closed.

Level 3 (Go Now): All of Warm Springs community and surrounding at-risk areas
Level 2 (Be Set): Additional portions of Jefferson County near the fire perimeter
Level 1 (Be Ready): Broader surrounding areas on heightened alert

Residents can check evacuation status for their specific address using the RAPTOR mapping system at raptor.co. Evacuation centers have been established for displaced residents; check with Jefferson County Emergency Management for current shelter locations.

Structures Lost

The fire has destroyed at least six homes and five additional structures on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation as of July 26. Damage assessment teams continue working as conditions allow, and the final count of destroyed structures is expected to rise as crews gain access to previously inaccessible areas.

Response Efforts

Multiple agency resources are assigned to the fire, including air tankers, helicopters, hand crews, engines, and tenders. Road closures have been implemented in the fire area, limiting access and complicating firefighting logistics. The fire's steep and rugged terrain in portions of its perimeter is adding to suppression challenges.

What Residents Should Do

Those under Level 3 orders must leave immediately. If you are under a Level 2 or Level 1 order, be prepared to leave on short notice:

Gather important documents, medications, and irreplaceable personal items
Prepare a go-bag with essentials for at least 72 hours
Make arrangements for pets and livestock
Register with your county emergency management system so responders know you have evacuated
Do not return until officials lift the evacuation order