Oregon Wildfires Rage: Crews Battle New Blaze Near Madras

Wildfires continue to challenge Central Oregon, with crews working diligently through the weekend. A new fire, the Round Butte Fire, ignited southwest of Madras and spread quickly due to high winds. As of Monday, it spans 1,090 acres and is 7% contained, with firefighters reinforcing containment lines and conducting mop-up operations. Evacuation notices remain in effect around this fire.

The Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters has seen significant progress, with containment at 85% for its 27,491 acres. Evacuation notices have been substantially reduced, and a Red Cross shelter has closed, though some higher-level evacuations persist. Crews are focused on mop-up and repair work.

Containment has also increased on the Bench Fire to 66% for its 67,238 acres, leading to further evacuation reductions in Jefferson County. Firefighting efforts continue to reinforce lines and extinguish hotspots. However, the Bench Fire is impacting the Warm Springs Reservation's water system, with a boil water notice in effect for some areas.

Elsewhere, the Rowe Creek Complex east of Prineville is 55% contained at 313,439 acres, with evacuations ongoing in multiple counties. The Coyote and Henry fires are also making steady progress, with containment levels at 77% and 75% respectively. Dry weather and wind gusts are expected to challenge crews this week.