July 18 Morning Media Release-Akawa Butte, Brewer, and Pilot Fires | Central Oregon Fire Information

Firefighters hold the line through the night on Akawa Butte, Brewer and Pilot Fires in Central Oregon

(Sisters, OR) – Crews worked through the night on the Akawa Butte, Brewer and Pilot Fires. Crews were able to hold all the lines that were built during the day shift. Reconnaissance and scouting operations identified additional access points for more direct access to the fire line and will continue through today.

Numerous resources are in transit and are expected to arrive beginning later today. A full suppression effort is underway and the number one priority is ensuring firefighters and public safety and protecting resources while utilizing tactics to reach the highest probability of success. All fires remain 0% contained.

Akawa Butte Fire

There were some slop overs on the north and northeast edge of the fire later in the day yesterday. Night shift crews worked to reinforce the established dozer line around the slop overs and along the north and northwest parts of the fire. Night crews worked to identify access points along the east and southeast parts of the fire. This will make accessing the fire line for crews and heavy equipment easier. The fire is burning into the Flat Fire burn scar in the southeast which is slowing progression in that area. All fire lines held overnight.

Brewer Fire

There was significant growth on the fire yesterday as a result of hot, dry weather and gusty winds. Overnight, firefighters worked to identify additional access points to the northeast points of the fire. They also worked to strengthen dozer lines to provide a more direct line on the fire. There was slop over on the north edge of the fire but all fire lines held overnight. The heel of the fire is in the northeast corner of the fire with the main growth of the fire to the southeast due to the wind direction in the afternoons.

Pilot Fire

One engine patrolled the fire lines overnight, looking for any spot fires or slop over around the fire lines.  The fire is dozer lined on three sides, with natural barriers lining the north.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Conditions will continue to be hot and dry. Wind will be light this morning but are expected to increase this afternoon and will predominantly come from the north and northwest. Fire managers expect challenging, wind‑driven fire activity later in the day.

Evacuations

Akawa Butte Fire is in Jefferson and 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/

Closures

BLM has issued closures for lands in and near the fires. See below for current information:

BLM Closures and Restrictions: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Air Quality Information

Air quality updates: https://fire.airnow.gov/