Central Oregon Wildfires Prompt Evacuation of 800 Campers
On July 25, 2026, wildfires in Central Oregon forced the evacuation of 800 staff and campers from the Washington Family Ranch in Antelope. The retreat, operated by Young Life, was hosting a Christian summer camp for high school students from the Salem area, including South Salem, Cascades, Sprague, and West Salem. The evacuation escalated from a Level 1 to a Level 3 notice within an hour, prompting immediate action. Campers were transported to a middle school in Madras, Oregon, where they stayed overnight before returning to Salem the following day. The Little Buck Fire, part of the Hay Creek Fire Complex, has burned over 36,000 acres and is 50% contained as of July 29, 2026 (Central Oregon Fire Information). 
