Bench Fire Forces Mass Evacuation of Warm Springs: 45,000 Acres, Six Homes Destroyed

The Bench Fire burning in Jefferson County continues to pose a severe threat to the Warm Springs community, with Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remaining in place for all of Warm Springs as of July 30, 2026. The fire has grown to 45,119 acres and is only 3 percent contained, with firefighters struggling to establish control lines on terrain made treacherous by steep canyons and unpredictable wind-driven runs.

Fire Origin and Growth

The Bench Fire ignited on July 23, 2026, from a lightning strike in Jefferson County. It grew rapidly in dry grass and timber before merging with the nearby Beachcomb Fire on July 27, creating a single, larger incident now managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Warm Springs Agency. The merged fire exploded in size on July 25, jumping the Deschutes River and pushing toward the community of Warm Springs — a move that triggered the mass evacuation of thousands of residents.

Structures Destroyed

At least six homes and five other structures have been destroyed by the fire. Damage assessments are ongoing, and additional losses are possible as crews work through areas that have burned. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have been closely involved in coordinating evacuee support and resource allocation for tribal members displaced by the fire.

Evacuation Orders

Jefferson County Sheriff officials have issued the following evacuation levels:

Level 3 "Go Now": All of Warm Springs and immediate surrounding areas — residents must leave immediately
Level 2 "Be Set": Additional zones on the perimeter of the fire — residents should be ready to leave at a moment's notice
Level 1 "Be Ready": Outer buffer zones — residents should monitor conditions closely

Evacuees can check the RAPTOR mapping system for current zone boundaries and shelter locations. Red Cross evacuation shelters have been established in the region.

Firefighting Operations

Resources assigned to the Bench Fire include aerial retardant tankers, hand crews, engines, and water tenders, with at least one helicopter in the air support rotation. Crews are prioritizing direct attack where terrain and fuel conditions allow, while using indirect tactics — including backfiring — to protect the community of Warm Springs and key infrastructure including Highway 26.

Containment is hampered by minimal humidity, dry grass fuels, and shifting winds in the canyon systems around the Deschutes River. Fire managers warn that additional growth is possible under continued hot and dry conditions.

What to Do

Residents and travelers should: