AKAWANA FIRE UPDATE – JUNE 9, 2016 A.M.
June 9, 2016
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News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Posted on FlashAlert: June 9th, 2016 8:02 AM
Sisters, OR — Incident management teams from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM) are currently serving in unified command on the Akawana Fire burning 13 miles north of Sisters. The fire is currently at 1930 acres. Approximately 912 homes in the Three Rivers Grandview area are considered threatened and under a level 2 evacuation notice. Level 2 indicates that residents should be set for a potential evacuation. Residents must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
The lightning caused fire was reported on Tuesday June 7th at 2:00 PM. The fire is 30% contained and is currently burning on private forestland protected by ODF. The fire is being pushed by 15-20 mph winds and is burning in heavy dead and down fuels. The winds are expected to persist through today with a cooling trend in the next day or two. In all, about 400 firefighters and support staff are expected to work on the fire today. Crews are being supported from the air with helicopters and retardant dropping air tankers.
Due to the threat to structures Governor Kate Brown invoked the Conflagration Act Wednesday afternoon at the request of Jefferson County Fire Defense Board Chief Brian Huff. The declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire. The State Fire Marshal has mobilized four task forces, for a total of approximately 20 pieces of firefighting equipment, including engines and water tenders.
Cooperating agencies assisting in the fire suppression effort include the Central Oregon Fire Management Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Jefferson and Deschutes County Emergency Management.
For the latest updates on the fire, log on to www.facebook.com/ODFCentralOregon.
