Madras News Sometimes change isn’t progress—it’s politics. Jefferson County’s 2024 Fire and EMS merger is a textbook example of how a “solution in search of a problem” can take two functioning organizations and tangle them in bureaucracy, debt, and confusion. A System That Worked Before the merger, Jefferson County Fire District #1 and Jefferson County EMS had … Read more
By Susan, Madras BulletinDate: [Today] Lede: Get ready, Central Oregon! This August, Madras Municipal Airport will once again host the Airshow of the Cascades—a thrilling weekend of aerial aerobatics, vintage warbirds, live music, fireworks, and family fun. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to this major local event. 📅 When & … Read more
By Susan, Madras BulletinJune 17, 2025 As Central Oregon braces for what could be one of the most dangerous wildfire seasons in recent memory, two active fires—the Rowena Fire near The Dalles and the Alder Springs Fire northeast of Madras—are igniting concern and disruption across communities. 🔥 Rowena Fire: First Major Conflagration of the Season … Read more
June 17, 2025 – A rapidly expanding wildfire known as the Alder Springs Fire has prompted mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders in areas surrounding Crooked River Ranch and parts of Jefferson and Deschutes Counties. 📈 Fire Status & Spread 🚨 Evacuation Levels & Areas Affected Evacuation staging areas are set up at: 🚒 Firefighting Resources 🌡️ Weather & Wildfire Conditions … Read more
🔥 Grassfire Near Madras Sparks Evacuations A brushfire erupted northeast of Madras on June 12, reportedly started when a homeowner mowing the lawn struck a rock that sparked flames amid brisk winds. 🏘️ Development & Budget Cuts in Local Services Recent announcements from The Madras Pioneer highlight two key community changes: 💊 New Community Pharmacy and Agricultural Land Expansion … Read more
Deputy Chief of Prevention Jared Earnest reported that fire crews were dispatched around 11:45 a.m. to a fire in the Fairgrounds Road area. When deputies arrived on the scene first, they confirmed that all occupants had safely exited the building. Shortly after, fire crews arrived to find a single-family home with an attached structure on … Read more
Jefferson County Fire & EMS is facing serious financial challenges, leading to the layoff of four employees, including an administrative position. The cuts come after a 14-month gap in EMS billing due to delays in reapplying for a new tax ID following the merger of the fire department and EMS into a single organization. How Did This Happen? Fire … Read more
Winter Weather Advisory in Effect for Central Oregon📅 Updated: Thursday, February 13, 2025The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Central Oregon, including Bend, Prineville, Madras, and Redmond, which remains in effect until 10 AM PST on Friday, February 14.🌨 What to Expect: Snowfall: An additional 1 to 3 inches of accumulation.Timing: Snow will continue through Friday morning.Travel Impact: Expect slick and … Read more
The merger of Jefferson County Fire District 1 (JCFD) and Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) was initially sold to the public as a way to improve response times, reduce redundancy, and ensure financial sustainability. However, it has since become one of the most controversial and financially disastrous moves in recent county history, with growing concerns of fraud, mismanagement, and budget … Read more
The Madras Aquatic Center and Recreation District (MACRD) has been a staple in the Madras community, providing a space for residents to swim, exercise, and participate in recreational programs. However, in recent years, the district has faced significant challenges that put its future at risk. Financial difficulties, community concerns, and struggles with sustainability have all … Read more