(Sisters, OR) – Hot, dry weather and strong shifting winds created difficult firefighting conditions across central Oregon today. Lightning over the past two days started the Awaka Butte, Brewer, and Pilot Fires. Last night, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Central Oregon District requested ODF Complex Incident Management Team 2 (IMT2) to take command of all three fires because of their complexity.
ODF CIMT2 was inbriefed by ODF, US Forest Service and US Wildland Fire Service Agency Administrators at noon and took command of all three fires at 6 p.m. The team will continue to assess what the incident needs and will order more resources, equipment, and crews. Fire managers continue to focus on protecting nearby communities and firefighters.
Fire managers ordered additional crews and equipment to strengthen the firefighting effort and give crews rest after long shifts. Firefighters are working day and night shifts to build and reinforce fire lines. Current aviation support includes three helicopters, several Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), and two large air tankers. More crews and aircraft will arrive over the next several days.
Akawa Butte Fire
The Awaka Butte Fire is estimated to be 5,000 acres. Crews are focusing on securing the southern flank and watching closely for spot fires. The fire’s eastern movement has slowed as it reaches the Flat Fire burn scar. Crews are also working to secure the southeast flank against northwest winds. Rugged, rocky terrain makes heavy equipment use challenging.
Brewer Fire
The Brewer Fire grew to approximately 10,000 acres today mostly on private lands protected by ODF. The fire sits five miles north of the Ochoco National Forest boundary, and some small federal inholdings outside the main boundary have burned. Fire managers are prioritizing work on the southern and southeastern flanks to prevent spread into Coon Creek. Rough and rocky terrain limits the ability to use heavy machinery.
Pilot Fire
The fire was dozer lined on three sides, with rimrock lining the north. Improving and holding lines on the southern extents of the fire is primary focus for fire resources.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Winds are expected to continue over the next 48 hours with gusts expected to reach 20 mph. These changes will influence the fire’s direction and behavior. Fire managers expect challenging, wind‑driven fire activity and will adjust tactics as conditions change.
Evacuations
Akawa Butte Fire is in Deschutes County.
The Brewer Fire is in Crook and Jefferson Counties.
The Pilot Fire is in Crook County.
County sheriff’s offices issue evacuation orders. The most current evacuation information is available at:
Crook County: https://www.facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff
Deschutes County: https://www.facebook.com/DeschutesCountySheriff/
Jefferson County: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff/
Air Quality Information
Air quality updates: https://fire.airnow.gov/