Jefferson County School District cancels summer programs amid wildfire concerns

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Jefferson County School District has canceled all summer programming for Monday, July 27, citing rapidly changing wildfire conditions and ongoing evacuations in the area.

The closure affects all sites across the district, including Madras Elementary, Bridges High School and Madras High School. Summer meal services will also be unavailable for the day.

District leaders said the decision comes after the Bench and Beachcomb fires showed unpredictable behavior and significant growth overnight, impacting families throughout the region.

Many residents remain in evacuation zones, prompting concerns about safety and accessibility for students and staff.

School officials acknowledged the disruption for families and expressed appreciation for the community’s flexibility during the situation. They also shared support for those affected by the fires and gratitude for firefighters working to contain them.

The district plans to provide an update on Monday regarding the status of summer programs for the remainder of the week.