Central Oregon Fires Grow as Crews Fortify Lines Ahead of Critical Weather

Overview

• The Akawa Butte Fire expanded to about 10,326 acres with roughly 3% containment while the Brewer Fire remains near 17,800 acres with minimal containment and the Pilot Fire is roughly 120 acres and 20% contained.
• County sheriffs have issued Level 1–3 evacuation notices for communities near the fires and officials urge residents to prepare to leave early if conditions worsen.
• Oregon State Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry teams are operating in unified command with ODF Complex IMT3 taking direct responsibility for the Brewer incident and coordinating dozers, hand crews, engines and aircraft.
• A Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, atmospheric instability and lightning is in effect which could create new ignitions and drive erratic, wind-driven fire behavior.
• Crews and structural task forces have saved threatened homes on FS2050 Road while continuing to strengthen lines and mop up; the Deschutes National Forest has placed a closure of affected lands through December 31 to protect the public and support suppression operations.