Author: KTVZ

Spencer Sacks

Sisters High School has served as an evacuation site for the Akawa fire for almost a week, providing shelter and resources to approximately 100 people.

The Red Cross and Salvation Army are supporting evacuees, with the Red Cross operating five shelters across Central and Eastern Oregon to assist those displaced by wildfires.

The Red Cross works in coordination with county emergency management to establish these sites, ensuring affected individuals have access to safe shelter, meals and other community resources.

Morgan Schmidt, executive director for the Red Cross for Central and Eastern Oregon, stated, “It’s an honor for us to be able to open these at the request of county emergency management. When we set up to make sure that folks have a safe place to go for shelter and for meals and other community resources when these fires are happening.”

The Salvation Army has been a crucial partner at the Sisters High School evacuation site, serving more than 50 meals every lunch and dinner since Thursday.

Alfonso Juarez, a ministry leader for the Salvation Army, highlighted the organization’s commitment to displaced families. “We are here to serve,” Juarez said. “And, and we are just so honored to be here and especially, you know, to serve families that are being displaced and this situation. We want to provide them a hot meal and a bottled water or juice and just to let them know that they’re not alone, that we are here to support them and and that we here to give them a hot meal.”

This effort has amounted to approximately 450 meals provided by the Salvation Army.

Schmidt also praised the dedication of volunteers supporting these critical operations. “We’re really lucky at the Red Cross to have a volunteer team that is dedicated and generous with their time,” Schmidt said. She noted that about 1,000 volunteers are deployed nationwide for various disasters, including floods, wildfires and typhoons. These volunteers are community members assisting their neighbors.

While the Red Cross does not currently accept physical donations, the Salvation Army has requested donations of water bottles and juice boxes for children at the shelter.

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Lance Campbell

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community members rolled up their sleeves Friday to honor the life and legacy of Redmond firefighter-paramedic Michael Kienzle by donating blood during a special American Red Cross blood drive.

The event brought together family, friends, fellow firefighters, first responders and community members to continue Kienzle’s lifelong commitment to helping others. Organizers said each blood donation has the potential to save multiple lives, making the blood drive a fitting tribute to someone who spent his career serving the community.

The American Red Cross says blood donations are needed every day to help patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care and other medical emergencies. Because blood cannot be manufactured, hospitals rely on volunteer donors to maintain a safe and stable blood supply.

For those who knew Kienzle, organizers said the event is about more than donating blood—it’s about carrying forward a legacy of compassion, service and selflessness.

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood throughout the year, as the need for lifesaving donations remains constant.

Watch the video above for more from Friday’s blood drive and hear why organizers say donating blood is one of the most meaningful ways to honor Kienzle’s legacy.

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Kelsey Merison

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Do you live in Crook County and do you want to make a difference in the health sector? Crook County is seeking individuals to serve on its Community Health Advisory Council to help address the physical, mental and social health needs of local residents.

Interested applicants can pick up an application at the County Commissioner’s Office, email breyanna.cupp@crookcountyor.gov, or download one from the county website.

The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27th.

Click here to learn more.

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Kelsey Merison

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Tribal Government of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is monitoring a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action that occurred July 23rd at a rest stop on reservation lands. Tribal police confirmed that no tribal members were taken into federal custody during the stop.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs stated its commitment to providing resources, support and information to its members who might be affected by such events. The tribal government emphasized that its community remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all its membership. The tribal government clarified that its Police Department and staff do not actively participate in federal immigration enforcement.

The Tribal Police Department made contact with the federal agents during the incident. The federal agents, along with their subjects, were reported to be passing through reservation lands and had stopped for a restroom break. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs recognizes the jurisdiction of federal authorities, while prioritizing the safety, stability and well-being of its community members.

The tribal government encourages all community members to know their rights and remain informed. If ICE agents are seen on reservation lands, residents are instructed to immediately contact the Warm Springs Police Department. The department can be reached at 541-553-1171 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and at 541-384-2080 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs urged its community to check on one another, remain vigilant and rely on trusted, verified information during this time.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will continue to advocate for the dignity, safety and well-being of the Nation. The tribal government will also continue its efforts to encourage community members to know their rights and remain informed.

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Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Local officials and partner agencies are scheduled to hold a community briefing on the Prineville fires at 6:00 p.m. at Carey Foster Hall at the Crook County Fairgrounds today, Friday, July 24th.

The meeting will feature a 30-minute operational update on the Brewer, Box Springs, Crosswhite, Coyote, Henry, Pilot, Conant and Crooked fires, followed by a Q&A session with fire officials.

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the Akawa Butte Fire continues burning areas near Sisters, Residents gathered at Sisters High School to hear from fire officials on the latest of the fire.

A town meeting was held in Sisters, Ore., earlier tonight to update residents on ongoing wildfires. Officials have declared the wildfire the number one priority in the country. The fire has grown significantly over the last 24 hours, with flames reaching 150 feet high and traveling at 25 miles per hour. Despite the rapid spread, authorities confirmed no houses on Wilt Road have burned.

This news brought immediate relief to residents, including those with homes directly adjacent to the fire’s front line.

Officials from several different departments addressed Sisters residents for almost an hour during the meeting, providing updates on the fire. Crews from all over the country are converging on Central Oregon in an “all hands on deck” situation to combat the blaze. Residents who attended the town meeting were in various stages of evacuation, with some at Level one and others at Level three.

Al Barton, a resident of Bend, shared his experience as the father of an evacuee whose house is located on Wilt Road, right next to the fire’s front line. Barton described the profound emotional impact, stating, “You know, you think it really affects the people that it’s going to affect. But when you’re a parent of a child, it doesn’t matter. It affects you the same way as it does them.” He added that he spent “a couple of days with her packing out, getting the dogs out.”

Barton reflected on the emotional toll, saying, “When you find yourself by yourself and you’re crying, it’s like, man, This is. This is deep. This is not a it’s not a game. It’s not a toy. It’s life. And, when it affects your child NO MATTER HOW OLD they are nothing you can do about it. You you have to try and hang it together. Help them, you know and stay SOLID.” Both Barton and his daughter had barely slept in days, with his daughter declining an on-camera interview but speaking off-camera.

During his conversation with the reporter, Barton received positive news from a sheriff’s department representative regarding Wilt Road. Barton recounted that “the sheriff’s department guy, he really took it TO HEART got Ahold of people and said that nothing on Wilt Road had burned yet.” Barton noted his daughter’s frustration, adding, “the map not being updated is the thing that’s been killing all day. It’s like, just tell me where it is so I can know, you know and have peace.”

This update brought a significant sense of relief to Al, his daughter and other residents with properties on Wilt Road. For those in a Level 3 “go now” evacuation, the days of waiting for updates while praying their homes are still intact can be excruciating. Following the news, Al and his daughter both “laughed and smiled and felt a sigh of relief.”

Barton and his daughter experienced a significant sigh of relief after receiving confirmation that their home on Wilt Road had not been destroyed by the wildfire.

To watch the full meeting click here.

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Tyson Beauchemin

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The community of Sisters is rallying to support firefighters and residents affected by nearby fires. Local businesses Lucky’s Woodsman and Sisters Athletic Club are offering free services to those protecting the area and anyone displaced from their homes.

These community efforts come as fires in the region are getting closer to the town of Sisters. Lucky’s Woodsman has activated its “Hold the Line” fund, a charity established last year to feed firefighters. This year, it has expanded its services this year to include fire evacuees.

Lucky’s Woodsman is providing free food and drinks to any firefighter or individual displaced by evacuations. Jackson Higdon, Owner of Lucky’s Woodsman, is very passionate about the supporting wildfire fighters. “I think it’s the utmost importance that we do whatever we can to support the people that keep our forest green, keep our trails open, our campsites going and ultimately keep our community strong during a distressed time,” Higdon said.

To further support the “Hold the Line” initiative, a pig roast fundraiser is scheduled for today, Friday, at 3 p.m. at Lazy Z Ranch. All residents of Sisters are invited to the event. First responders and those affected by the fires will be served meals first. Every meal purchased will contribute to the fund and attendees will also have the opportunity to make donations and meet the firefighters.

The Sisters Athletic Club has also opened its doors to both firefighters and evacuees. The club serves as a safe, cool place for individuals to escape the smoke and charge their cellphones.

Firefighters have been making use of the club’s showers. Some of them even hit weight room to decompress.

Tate Metcalf, owner of Sisters Athletic Club, expressed the club’s generous support for those in need. “They just have come to come in, we’re not going to ask questions,” Metcalf said. “We’re not going to. You know, question where they live. You know, this is time. People are distraught. They need some help. They just need some kindness. So come in, tell us that you got evacuated. We’ll take care of you the best that we can.” Additionally, members of the athletic club have inquired about how they can help and the club may be able to connect individuals with further resources if asked.

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Campbell Porter

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The main academic building at Redmond High School will close for the 2026-27 school year after construction activities disturbed asbestos-containing materials, rendering portions of the facility unsafe to occupy. The Redmond School District is arranging modular classrooms on campus to deliver academic instruction for students.

The high school’s gymnasium and Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing will remain open during this time.

The closure follows the start of remodel construction this summer, during which sampling confirmed asbestos levels in the main academic building were not compatible with occupancy for staff and students. Redmond High School, like many buildings of its era, contains asbestos that has been managed for years.

The 2025 Redmond School Bond, passed by Redmond voters in fall 2024, was always intended to address the asbestos as part of the modernization process. The District had initially developed a phased construction plan designed to keep portions of the building open while work progressed, a plan considered viable until construction began.

The initial plan changed at the onset of roof work on the building, when vibration caused delamination of previously identified fireproofing materials containing asbestos-containing materials, also known as ACMs. An environmental consulting firm immediately conducted additional sampling throughout the entire building and testing confirmed elevated levels throughout the main academic building. The presence of disturbed asbestos-containing material requires additional precautions and test results showed the main academic building cannot be occupied by staff and students while active construction continues without additional engineering controls.

Redmond School District Superintendent Charan Cline stated that the phased plan was the preferred approach but acknowledged the potential need for modular classrooms, a possibility discussed during the bond campaign. “The phased plan was always our preferred path, but we knew from the beginning that modular classrooms could be necessary, which was discussed during the bond campaign,” Cline said. “Our top priority is the safety of staff, students and the construction crews.”

For the 2026-27 school year, Redmond High School students will remain on campus for core academic instruction in the prepared modular classrooms. The academic calendar will remain unchanged. The gymnasium and CTE wing will continue to operate as roof work has not yet occurred over either of these sections.

A temporary HVAC system is being installed in the gymnasium to provide dedicated air circulation separate from the main academic building. While core academic instruction will take place in modular classrooms, CTE courses, physical education, athletics and other gymnasium activities will continue in the existing facilities.

Band, choir, theater and ceramics programs will be relocated to Hugh Hartman Elementary, which is a short walking distance from Redmond High. Specifics regarding these arrangements will be communicated in the coming weeks. The District expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of students, families and staff as these plans are finalized.

Superintendent Cline emphasized the district’s commitment to the community. “The District made a promise to this community to improve district facilities,” Cline said. “The district will continue to monitor conditions throughout the construction process and will prioritize safety. If circumstances change, we will communicate any updates with families and staff.” A full FAQ is available on the district’s bond pages and on the Redmond High School website.

The remodel remains on schedule. Moving instruction to modular classrooms is expected to allow construction crews to work efficiently and keep the project moving forward. The District remains optimistic that this approach will keep the remodel on track toward the entire building reopening for the 2027-28 school year.

If you have questions, attached here is a full FAQ provided by district officials.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding EPA instructions)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire smoke continues to affect Central Oregon, many commercial air purifiers have sold out at stores around the region. But the Environmental Protection Agency says a do-it-yourself box-fan air cleaner can offer a more affordable, attainable way to reduce smoke particles indoors.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has extended an air quality advisory for Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties through at least Friday afternoon due to smoke from multiple wildfires. Conditions can change quickly depending on fire activity and wind direction.

To build a basic air cleaner, the EPA recommends using a 20-by-20-inch box fan made in 2012 or later, a matching MERV 13 air filter, cardboard, and duct tape. The fan should also have a UL or ETL safety marking.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and measures how effectively a filter captures airborne particles. The EPA recommends a MERV 13 filter because it can capture the very small particles found in wildfire smoke. A one-inch-thick filter can work, although the agency found that thicker filters are more effective.

The filter should be attached to the back of the fan, with the airflow arrow pointing toward the fan. A cardboard shroud with an opening roughly the size of the fan blades can then be taped to the front.

EPA laboratory testing found that adding the cardboard shroud increased the cleaner’s clean-air delivery rate by 40%.

The EPA recommends keeping both sides of the cleaner free of obstructions and plugging the fan directly into an outlet instead of using an extension cord. During smoky conditions, check the filter daily and replace it when it turns dark gray or brown or begins to smell like smoke.

One unit may help create a cleaner-air room where household members spend most of their time. However, a DIY cleaner does not eliminate every wildfire hazard and is not a substitute for following evacuation orders.

More construction and safety information is available through the EPA’s DIY air-cleaner guide.

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Lance Campbell

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire evacuation orders continue to be issued across Central Oregon, it’s not just people who need a safe place to go. The Crook County and Deschutes County fairgrounds are providing temporary refuge for horses, livestock and other large animals displaced by the fires.

Animals temporarily sheltered at the Crook County Fair being displaced by Central Oregon wildfire evacuations.

Working alongside emergency responders and volunteers, both fairgrounds are helping care for evacuated animals while owners focus on getting themselves and their families to safety.

At the Crook County Fairgrounds, officials say caring for livestock is an important part of protecting the community during emergencies.

“This is all centered around community and priorities and making sure everybody in the community stays safe, including people and the animals,” a Casey Daly, Manager Crook County Fairgrounds said.

At the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, volunteers with the Pet Evacuation Team are also caring for displaced animals while working around preparations for the upcoming Deschutes County Fair.

Mary Barron, Interim Deployment Manager with the Pet Evacuation Team, says the best time to prepare for an evacuation is before one is ever issued.

The Pet evacuation Team is helping care for displaced animals at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds while working alongside emergency responders during ongoing wildfire evacuations.

“Before they get the evacuation notice, they should have a go bag packed and ready,” Barron said. “If you have animals that you’re going to evacuate, have a plan… have a little bag of food… so you can just scoop them up and go as quickly as possible.”

Officials encourage livestock owners to have a transportation plan, keep emergency supplies packed and know where they’ll take their animals if evacuation orders are issued.

Horses sheltered at the Crook County Fairgrounds are being cared for until it’s safe for until it’s safe for their owners to return home.

As wildfire season continues across Central Oregon, emergency responders say preparing ahead of time for both people and animals can help make evacuations safer and less stressful when time matters most.

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