Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Akawa Butte and Brewer fires
Spencer Sacks
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Saturday, for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires, which are actively burning in Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This action was taken as hot, dry weather and strong, shifting winds have caused the fires to grow significantly, threatening nearby communities.
The invocation of the act enables the Oregon State Fire Marshal to assign its Red Incident Management Team and several task forces to the fires. These resources will work alongside wildland partners to protect nearby communities and critical infrastructure. This marks the fifth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2026.
Hot, dry weather and strong, shifting winds created difficult firefighting conditions across Central Oregon Friday. Conditions will continue to be hot and dry today, Saturday, with light winds expected in the morning that are predicted to increase in the afternoon. Deschutes and Jefferson County sheriff’s offices have levels 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place for affected areas.
State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple commented on the ongoing challenges. “The conditions we’re seeing across Oregon have challenged firefighters for the past week and the current forecast isn’t providing much relief,” Ruiz-Temple said. “I’m urging every Oregonian to be wildfire aware and to sign up for their county’s emergency alerts. Know the evacuation levels and follow them if they are issued.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team will operate in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Team 2. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is posting updates on incidents where it has resources assigned on osfminfo.org. Oregonians can also sign up for emergency alerts at oralert.gov.
Fire managers expect challenging, wind-driven fire activity later today, Saturday. Those looking for evacuation information should follow their local sheriff’s office.