07/23/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 23, 2026
Black Butte Ranch Police Department Provides Akawa Butte Fire Update
Black Butte Ranch, Oregon — The Black Butte Ranch Police Department continues to work closely with fire officials, emergency management partners, and public safety agencies as suppression efforts continue on the Akawa Butte Fire.
Overnight rainfall and increased humidity significantly moderated fire behavior, allowing firefighting crews to make meaningful progress. According to fire officials, night operations focused on constructing direct control lines wherever conditions allowed while structural protection teams removed remaining combustible debris around homes and reinforced defensible space in preparation for the anticipated return of hot, dry, and windy weather. Firefighters also installed hose lines in the southern portion of the fire near Indian Ford Road and Wilt Road and continued work along Forest Service Road 11 to establish contingency fire lines.
Today's operational priorities include establishing a continuous control line around the fire perimeter, strengthening existing structure protection measures, and preparing additional contingency lines. Crews will focus on securing control lines south of SW Jordan Road ahead of a forecasted wind shift from the north-northeast to the west-northwest. Improved visibility is expected to allow increased use of aerial firefighting resources, particularly in the southern portion of the fire north of Sisters.
Current Fire Status
• Fire Size: 26,144 acres
• Containment: 3%
• Cause: Lightning
• Personnel Assigned: 986
• Resources:
• 27 Hand Crews
• 57 Engines
• 21 Water Tenders
• 13 Dozers
• 7 Skidgens
• 1 Masticator
• 13 Helicopters (Type 1, 2, and 3)
Road Closures and Power Outages
Motorists are reminded that multiple road closures remain in effect, including:
• Middle View Road
• Indian Ford Road
• The section between Green Ridge Road and Meadow View Road
In addition, Central Electric Cooperative has de-energized power to homes on Stevens Canyon Road to Pine Glen Road and areas north of Indian Ford Road to support firefighter safety and operations.
Weather Conditions
While overnight relative humidity reached 100 percent, conditions are expected to rapidly dry today. Forecasts call for temperatures in the low 90s, relative humidity dropping to approximately 30 percent by midday, and sustained winds continuing into the weekend. These conditions may increase fire activity.
Community Meeting
An in-person community meeting will be held today at 6:30 p.m. at the Sisters High School Auditorium. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District page for those unable to attend in person.
https://www.facebook.com/SCSRFPD
Evacuations
Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 evacuation notices remain in effect in portions of Deschutes and Jefferson counties. Residents are urged to monitor official county sheriff's office communications and be prepared to act if evacuation levels change.
For the most up-to-date information, visit:
Deschutes County: https://sheriff.deschutes.org/news/
Jefferson County: https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/sheriff/page/emergency-management
Emergency Alert Sign Up: https://public.everbridge.net/sign-up
Public Safety Reminder
The Black Butte Ranch Police Department asks residents and visitors to:
• Obey all evacuation orders and road closures.
• Avoid traveling into fire-affected areas unless necessary.
• Remain alert to changing weather and fire conditions.
• Allow emergency responders unrestricted access to roadways.
The Black Butte Ranch Police Department appreciates the continued cooperation of the community and extends its gratitude to the hundreds of firefighters and emergency personnel working tirelessly to protect lives and property.
For current fire information, call the Akawa Butte Fire Information Line at (503) 877-9324, available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.