"This incident is notable for its large size of over 67,000 acres and the significant resources committed—over 500 personnel and an estimated cost exceeding $22 million—while achieving a high containment rate of 90% within a month."
The Bench wildfire, located 4 miles south of Warm Springs in Jefferson County, Oregon, was first discovered on July 23, 2026. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is the jurisdictional agency. The fire has burned an official 67,071 acres and is currently 90% contained, with minimal, smoldering behavior reported in the latest NIFC update. Over the course of the timeline the fire size remained at 67,071 acres until August 10, when a brief report listed 4,000 acres, after which the acreage returned to 67,071 acres; containment rose from 84% on August 6 to 90% by August 18 and has remained steady since. Personnel numbers fluctuated from 572 at the start to 146 in the most recent update, and the estimated cost climbed from $20,383,321.22 on August 7 to $22,843,716.24 by September 8.
Official source description: 4 Miles S from Warm Springs, OR
Minimal; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Madras. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
Given the fire’s minimal, smoldering behavior and 90% containment, general wildfire safety precautions apply: stay informed of local advisories, avoid the immediate perimeter, and be prepared for potential changes in fire behavior if conditions shift.
IRWIN ID: {FE1DE2B9-6B86-4BCE-8400-A59019BB7932}
Discovered: Jul 23, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Managing Agency: BIA
Est. Cost to Date: $22,843,716
Coordinates: 44.6318, -121.3502
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in OR.
The Bench Fire has burned 4,000 acres as of September 8, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Bench Fire is 90% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The Bench Fire is burning in Jefferson, OR.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Bench Fire remains active.
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