Redmond, OR—A large number of storm cells passed through Central Oregon on July 15^th 2026. Overall, the area covered by Central Oregon Fire Management Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry received more than 2000 lightning strikes. In the ensuing days, over 85 fires have dotted the landscape and stretched resources thin. Many of the starts remained under .1 acre, but winds, low humidities, and high temperatures have caused a portion of the incidents to establish into large fires.

This morning, the 3 Complex Incident Management Teams that were ordered to manage this fire load have assumed command of many of the larger incidents. These teams are Northwest Team 2, Northwest Team 10, and ODF Team 2. Each team is rostered with professionals who specialize in the various aspects of fighting fire: operational decisions and tactics, logistics, planning, finance, aviation, safety, and political/public engagement. In total, they add more than 300 personnel to the firefighting efforts in Central Oregon.

Tomorrow, two additional Complex Incident Management Teams enter the mix: California Team 1 and ODF Team 3. CA Team 1 will assume command of the Coyote and Connant Fires, burning South and West of Post, respectively. ODF Team 3 will assume command of the Brewer and Box Springs Fires, both burning East of Madras.

Updates to the fires currently not managed by a CIMT:

The Coyote Fire, approximately 18,000 acres, South of Post

The Connant Fire, 110 acres, West of Post FORWARD PROGRESS STOPPED

The Henry Fire, approximately 10,000 acres, Southeast of Paulina

The Crooked Fire, 350 acres, Southwest of Paulina

The Box Springs Fire, approximately 950 acres, 25 miles NW of Prineville

You can find updated information for the rest of the Central Oregon fires from each of the teams as follows:

Hay Creek Complex-NW Team 10

Hoag, Hopkin, Porcupine Ridge, Wilcox Fires and Incidents 456, 462, 466 and 467

Inciweb.wildfire.gov>Hay Creek Complex

http://facebook.com/HayCreekComplex2026

Public Information line: 541.901.8026

Rowe Creek Complex-NW Team 2

Crosswhite, Camel Hump, Red Rock, Twickenham, Cove Creek, Parrish, Deep Canyon Fires and Incidents 432, 482, 501, and 502

Inciweb.wildfire.gov>Rowe Creek Complex

http://www.facebook.com/rowecreekcomplex

Public Information line: 541.800.1280

Akawa Butte, Brewer, Pilot Fires-ODF Team 2

http://www.facebook.com/akawabuttefire

http://www.facebook.com/brewerfire

[email protected]

Inciweb.wildfire.gov>Akawa Butte Fire

Inciweb.wildfire.gov>Brewer Fire

Inciweb.wildfire.gov>Pilot Fire

Public Information line: 503.877.9324

Interagency fire crews are working hard toward containment on each of these incidents in spite of the continued high temperatures, low relative humidities, and winds. Personnel are engaging the fires with a mix of engines, hand crews, dozers, skidgines, water tenders, overhead, and aircraft. Fire management have been prioritizing resources where there will be the highest probability of success.

In addition to the CIMTs, 5 structure task forces from California arrived in Oregon last night and will be assisting across the state in the firefighting effort. The mutual aid that comes from working with inter-state partners is invaluable and will continue to be reciprocal as conditions allow.

As always, firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority during these incidents.

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/

As thousands of fans pack Chris Stapleton’s concert at Providence Park on Friday night, businesses in Goose Hollow are hoping the excitement continues long after the music ends.

Read more: https://www.koin.com/positivelyportland/chris-stapleton-concert-brings-thousands-of-fans-boost-for-goose-hollow-businesses/