Oregon Grapples with a Surging Wildfire Crisis Across the State
Oregon is facing a sprawling wildfire emergency with more than 1 million acres burned and thousands evacuated as dozens of fires burn across Central and Eastern Oregon. The Bench and Beachcomb fires merged near Warm Springs, prompting widespread Level 3 evacuations while highways close and air quality erodes in the region. About 12,400 firefighters are on the ground and more could join as hot, dry conditions and incoming lightning drive extreme fire behavior. Authorities urge donations to Red Cross or wildfire responder organizations as crews work to contain the blazes.