The Bench Fire in Jefferson County, Oregon has grown to more than 40,000 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents on the Warm Springs Reservation and surrounding communities, making it one of the most disruptive fire events of the 2026 season so far.
From Spark to Catastrophe in Days
The fire, which began on Thursday, July 23, 2026, likely ignited during one of the region's lightning storms. It remained relatively contained at around 6,200 acres through Saturday, July 26, before explosive growth overnight pushed it far beyond initial estimates. A nearby fire, the Beachcomb Fire, also expanded rapidly and the two fires merged, creating a single incident now tracked as the Bench Fire at more than 40,000 acres — with 0% containment reported in the early days of the incident.
The fire is burning approximately 4 miles southwest of Warm Springs.
Level 3 Evacuations: Go Now
As the Bench Fire exploded in size Saturday evening, Jefferson County officials issued Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for the entirety of Warm Springs and other portions of Jefferson County. Level 3 is the highest evacuation designation, requiring immediate departure.
People on the Warm Springs Reservation evacuated, and communities in Central and Eastern Oregon face active threats. Thousands of residents were displaced, stressing emergency shelter systems across the region. Level 1 and Level 2 evacuations have been extended to additional zones throughout the area.
Closures and Fire Restrictions in Effect
Multiple road and area closures are in effect in connection with the Bench Fire and other nearby incidents. The BLM Burns District has announced emergency closures of the Stinkingwater Access Road and Stinkingwater–Warm Springs Road. Evacuation zones can be tracked via the RAPTOR mapping system, which is being updated as conditions change.
Numerous evacuation zones across Jefferson County remain active. Residents are directed to check with Jefferson County Emergency Management for the latest zone maps and updates.
Firefighting Operations
A Complex Incident Management Team has been assigned to manage the Bench Fire, coordinating suppression crews, air tankers, and logistical support. Fire weather conditions — including low relative humidity in the teens to single digits, temperatures near 90°F, and gusty winds — have made direct attack difficult. Crews are prioritizing structure protection and establishing containment lines where terrain and conditions permit.
Coyote and Henry Fires Also Active
The Bench Fire is not the only significant incident in the Jefferson County and Central Oregon area. The Coyote and Henry fires are also burning, with multiple evacuation zones in effect across a broad swath of the region. Central Oregon Fire Information has been issuing daily updates coordinating across several agencies managing simultaneous incidents.
Residents who have evacuated are encouraged to register with the Red Cross at local evacuation centers so family members can locate them. Do not return to evacuation zones until authorities give the all-clear.