Akawana Fire Update - June 11, 2016

Akawana Fire Update

June 11, 2016 7:30 a.m.

Sisters, OR –  Fire crews were very successful yesterday and overnight thanks to hard work, cool temperatures and higher humidity. All level 2 evacuation notifications have now been lowered to level 1 (be ready). This includes homes in the 3 Rivers subdivision (as of June 9th), Forest Park, Air Park, Rim Park and their outlying areas (as of yesterday). Gusty afternoon winds spurred one spot fire across containment lines in the southeast corner of the fire that crews, equipment and helicopters quickly attacked and extinguished. Infrared imaging taken overnight shows a solid decrease in heat near the fire’s perimeter.

The fire has burned 2,094 acres and has line completely around it. It is currently 60 percent contained. Total firefighting costs are close to $1.8 million.

Firefighters anticipate favorable weather today as they focus their efforts on mop up operations into the fire’s interior. While some heavy equipment and air resources are being released, additional crews are being brought in to do the more labor intensive dirty work of digging out hot spots from beneath stumps and soaking larger fuels on the ground. Crews working on this fire are also available to help local resources, should any new fires occur within the area.

To date, just one minor hand injury has occurred.

Structural task forces working under the Conflagration Act have been released to return to their home areas. The threat to structures has decreased significantly and conditions continue to improve. OSFM’s Green IMT will remain on the incident through this morning to help ensure a smooth transition.

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.