SISTERS, Ore. – Firefighters on the Akawa Butte Fire, which has grown to nearly 14,000 acres, continue working around the clock to strengthen containment lines and prep structures ahead of critical fire weather expected Wednesday.
"Gusty, erratic winds challenged suppression efforts this afternoon and will persist into the early evening as crews respond to new spot fires and work to hold existing control lines," according to Tuesday evening's update. Wind-driven fire activity resulted in growth along the southern, western and northwestern flanks of the fire.
On the northern edge, crews made progress constructing control line while structural firefighters remained focused on protecting homes and supporting wildland firefighting operations. Firefighters weren’t able to use aircraft until later in the afternoon today due to limited visibility from smoke.
Overnight, firefighters will focus on holding and strengthening control lines along the northern edge. On the southern flank, crews will continue to construct new control lines, while reinforcing existing lines. Structural task forces will conduct structure triage, preparation, and protection while assisting wildland resources.
Public and firefighter safety remain the top priorities. Drivers are urged to use caution and remain alert for increased fire traffic and heavy equipment throughout the area, particularly near the Sisters Rodeo Grounds, where crews and equipment are entering and exiting at all hours.
An in-person community meeting will be held Thursday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sisters High School auditorium. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department Facebook page:
Weather and Fire Behavior
Northeast winds persisted across the fire area today, contributing to active fire behavior. Winds are expected to diminish overnight. A Red Flag Warning is in effect Wednesday for abundant lightning with forecasts calling for increased atmospheric instability, gusty winds, and isolated dry thunderstorms. These conditions could lead to increased fire activity and the potential for new fire starts.
Evacuations
Evacuation orders are issued by the county sheriff’s offices. For the most up-to-date information, visit:
Deschutes County:
https://sheriff.deschutes.org/news/
For an interactive map:
https://experience.arcgis.com/.../6f8868c4477e462b8a653a8...
Jefferson County:
Closures
The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have implemented closures in and around the fire area.
BLM Closures and Restrictions:
https://www.blm.gov/.../orwa-fpo-prijefferson-071826.pdf
U.S. Forest Service – Deschutes National Forest Closure:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../alerts/akawa-butte-fire-closure
Air Quality Information
Air quality:
Smoke outlook information:
https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/6aaf6480
EVACUATION LEVEL UPDATE AS OF 8:00 P.M., TUESDAY, JULY 21-Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
The following area that was previously under a Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation Notice has been upgraded to a Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice:
Private property on the north of Indian Ford Creek to the Forest Boundary. This area has been upgraded to a Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice.
Deschutes County, Ore. -- As of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have added new evacuation areas for the Akawa Butte Fire. Weather conditions continued to shift the fire to the Southwest throughout the day. The changes to evacuation levels include Forest Service land and private property north of the City of Sisters and generally in the area of Indian Ford Road, Camp Polk Road, and Wilt Road.
These are current as of Tuesday, July 21st / 5 PM:
New Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notices:
Forest lands (USFS and private) east of FS Road 2050, approximately 4 miles to the National Forest Boundary. Commonly referred to as the northern portion of Sage Flat and the southern portion of Stevens Canyon.
New Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices:
Forest land (USFS and private) east of Stevens Canyon Road and south of a line from Stevens Canyon Road and FS 2050/390 spur, east approximately 4 miles to the National Forest Boundary, and South to Wilt Rd. Commonly referred to as the southern portion of Sage Flat.
Private property on the north of Indian Ford Creek Road to the Forest Boundary.
New Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notices:
Areas between Indian Ford Creek and Camp Polk Road and Indian Ford Road from the 69600 Block of Camp Polk Road north to Hwy 20.
EXISTING EVACUATION NOTICES
Level 3 (Go Now)
The following area is now at Level 3 (Go Now):
Northern part of Stevens Canyon Road between Forest Road 2050 and west of Wilt Road north of Big Buck Road.
Forest lands (USFS and private) east of FS Road 2050, approximately 4 miles to the National Forest Boundary. Commonly referred to as the northern portion of Sage Flat and the southern portion of Stevens Canyon
Level 3 means GO NOW! Residents in this area should leave immediately. Do not take time to gather belongings or attempt to protect property. Drive carefully, use headlights, and follow traffic safety instructions. Do not return until officials announce it is safe.
Level 2 (Be Set)
The following area is now at Level 2 (Be Set):
Addresses on the east side of Wilt Road, north of Big Buck Road to the county line.
Forest land (USFS and private) east of Stevens Canyon Road and south of a line from Stevens Canyon Road and FS 2050/390 spur east approximately 4 miles to the National Forest Boundary and South to Wilt Rd. Commonly referred to as the southern portion of Sage Flat.
Forest Service lands west of FS 2052 to the FS 11 and north of private property off Indian Ford Rd.
Level 2 BE SET means residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Conditions may change quickly, and residents should stay alert and keep essential items ready.
Level 1 (Be Ready)
Previously Issued and Still in Effect. Existing Level 1 areas include:
Wilt Road north of Buffalo Drive to Big Buck Rd.
Northern single lane section of Mountain View Road
Pine Ridge Rd and Fox Ridge Circle off of Indian Ford Road
Areas between Indian Ford Creek and Camp Polk Road and Indian Ford Road from the 69600 Block of Camp Polk Road north to Hwy 20.
Private property on the north of Indian Ford Road to the Forest Boundary.
Level 1 BE READY means residents should remain aware of the fire situation and be prepared if evacuation levels increase.
Akawa Fire information can be found at https://facebook.com/akawabuttefire
Additional Resources:
The Red Cross continues to support evacuees with a shelter at Sisters High School: 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd.
The Pet Evacuation Team is available to support animal-related evacuation needs. They can be reached at 541-610-6628.
Community members are encouraged to sign up for Deschutes Alerts to receive timely emergency notifications: https://deschutesalerts.org
For a live map of evacuation areas, visit deschutes.org/emergency or protect.genasys.com
For additional fire information and regional updates, visit: https://centraloregonfire.org
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