Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding additional information from Akawa Butte fire official)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As of Sunday, July 26th: Fire crews are expected to establish full control lines around the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters, Oregon, today. This follows their efforts last night to contain new spot fires through high winds and their preparations for continued hot, dry and windy conditions.

Operations personnel estimate that control lines will be fully in place later today to stop the fire’s progression, though this does not signify full containment of the fire.

Crews capitalized on the early morning hours by tying in control lines across the entire fire area. They are also preparing contingency lines along Wilt Road, Indian Ford Road and Forest Service Road 2052 in the southeast and southwest sectors, respectively.

Heavy equipment and ground crews will continue to strengthen these containment lines throughout the day. Helicopters are supporting these ground efforts by performing water drops around the fire.

An unburned pocket of vegetation on the west side of the fire will continue to burn today within the established control lines. Firing operations may be conducted to fully isolate this pocket by removing fuels that could threaten the control lines.

A localized Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area from 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. today due to continued hot, dry, windy conditions that can aid in the spread of fire. Weather conditions are expected to improve later this week as lower temperatures and lighter winds help moderate fire behavior.

Some Oregon State Fire Marshal structure protection resources are being reassigned to assist with other wildfires, including the nearby Bench Fire, as conditions and priorities evolve across the region. This strategic sharing aims to position firefighters where they are most needed while maintaining structural protection capabilities at the Akawa Butte Fire.

Resource levels are consistently evaluated based on current fire conditions, community risk and operational needs; additional resources can be requested if conditions change.

The public is asked to take caution and be aware while driving in the region due to increased fire activity and the presence of heavy fire equipment. Closed areas and evacuation orders are currently active to ensure public and firefighter safety.

Containment increases as mop-up efforts reach a depth of 200-300 feet. Evacuation orders are issued by the county sheriff’s offices. The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have implemented closures in and around the fire area.

Control lines are expected to be fully in place around the body of the fire later today. Weather conditions are predicted to improve later this week, bringing lower temperatures, and lighter winds.

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County officials reduced evacuation levels for several areas southwest of the Akawa Butte Fire on Sunday, July 26th. While Sisters High School was downgraded to Level 0, many other residential zones were moved to Level 1 or Level 2 status.

Despite these improvements, Level 3 Go Now orders remain active for Squaw Creek Canyon Estates and several forest regions.

Below is the full release from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office:

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with fire officials, has reduced evacuation levels to some areas on the Southwest and South sides of the Akawa Butte Fire effective at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 26th. One zone, which includes Sisters High School, has been downgraded to normal from Level 1 (Be Ready).

Please drive carefully and respect the roadblocks as they have also moved. Firefighting personnel and equipment are causing significant traffic in the area as they move around to extinguish hot spots near the fire lines. Power may still be out in some areas. CEC is in the process today of inspecting all power lines in the area and will re-energize as it’s deemed safe.

Fire conditions can change rapidly, so it’s important to stay alert to changing conditions. The Sheriff’s Office recommends people use the Genasys Protect Map for updated evacuation areas: deschutes.org/emergency or protect.genasys.com

THESE ARE THE CURRENT EVACUATION NOTICES AS OF SUNDAY, JULY 26, 11:30AM:

Road Closures in Effect:

Wilt Road, North of and including Stardust Ln

Pine Street at Indian Ford Rd

Indian Ford Road between Forest Service 700 Road and Meadow View Lane

Special note.  Homes on the West end of Indian Ford Rd need to be accessed via Hwy 20 and Forest Service 11 Road.

DOWNGRADING FROM Level 3 (Go Now) to Level 2 (Be Set)

Private Lands on Indian Ford between Hwy 20/Forest Service 11 Road and the Indian Ford Rd and FS 700 Rd intersection.

Indian Ford Road MP1 and Camp Polk Rd to include Meadowview Lane, Fox Ridge Circle, and Pine Ridge Subdivisions

USFS lands north of Cascade Meadows Ranch to Indian Ford Creek and west of North Pine Street, including the Zimmerman Butte area.

Area of Old Wagon Road, West Meadow Parkway, and Tumbleweed Turn

Area surrounding Camp Polk Cemetery

Fair Mile Road, South side of Wilt Road, including Suntree Lane

DOWNGRADING FROM Level 2 (Be Set) to Level 1 (Be Ready)

Cascade Meadow Ranch and Windigo Trail Road

Areas North of Sisters, including Trapper Point, Crooked Horseshoe

West of Camp Polk Rd. And north of the Sisters airport, including Pilot Drive and Kittyhawk Ln. 

Areas Northeast of Sisters, including Upper and Lower Cattle Dr, Old Juniper Rd & Deer Ridge Rd.

Old Military Drive

DOWNGRADING FROM Level 1 (Be Ready) to Level 0 (Normal)

West Sisters, including Sisters High School, Sisters Middle School, McKenzie Meadows & area south of Tollgate

Remaining Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notices

Squaw Creek Canyon Estates to include areas off Mt. View Road between Appaloosa Drive and Buffalo Drive

Henkle Butte area, Vista Ridge Drive, Stardust Lane, and Annie’s Drive

Meadow View Road area between Indian Ford Road and Indian Ford Creek

Northern end of Mt. View Road

Wilt Road north of Buffalo Drive to Big Buck Road

Freemont Canyon area east of Wilt Road and north of Big Buck Road, to include Rimrock Ranch

Forest land (USFS and private) east of Stevens Canyon Road and south of a line from Stevens Canyon Road and FS 2050/390 spur, east approximately 4 miles to the National Forest Boundary, and South to Wilt Rd. Commonly referred to as the southern portion of Sage Flat. Excluding Fox Ridge Circle and Pine Ridge Road

Remaining Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices:

National Forest areas north of Sisters and south of Cascade Meadow Ranch

Areas Northeast of Sisters, including Upper and Lower Cattle Dr, Old Juniper Rd & Deer Ridge Rd.

North side of Goodrich Road up to Whychus Creek, including Goodrich Lane and Whychus Canyon Preserve

Lower Holmes Road area, north of milepost 5 to Lower Bridge Road

Area between Whychus Creek and Panoramic Estates, including the north end of Lake Drive.

Remaining Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notices:

West of Highway 20 and East of Black Butte Ranch, Glaze Meadow Area

National Forest area between the Brooks-Scanlon Logging Road and Highway 20, north of Tollgate Subdivision, south of FS Road 1012.

Tollgate Subdivision

West Sisters, including the commercial area and Village at Cold Springs, The Pines at Sisters & the East Portal Interpretive Site

North Sisters, including part of downtown, the industrial park, Sun Ranch, and Clear Pine

Areas Northeast of Sisters, including the airport & Barclay Meadows

East Sisters, including areas East of Locust Street and Timber Creek 

Areas East of Sisters between Whychus Creek and Hwy 126

Areas Northeast of Sisters, including McKinney Butte & Wild Horse Ridge

East of Sisters Between Whychus Creek & Camp Polk Rd, North of Hwy 126, including Junipine Ln, Bradley Rd & Hawks Flight Dr 

Aspen Lakes

Panoramic Estates, and Emerald Valley Rd/Sisters View Dr

Both sides of Edmundson Rd between Goodrich Rd and Holmes Rd, Northern Cloverdale area

Both sides of Holmes Road from milepost 2.5 to milepost 5, including Wanona Road, Gold Coach Road, and McSwain Drive

Lower Holmes Road area, north of milepost 5 to Lower Bridge Rd

EVACUTION NOTICE LEVELS

Level 3 means GO NOW! Residents in this area should leave immediately. Do not take time to gather belongings or attempt to protect property. Drive carefully, use headlights, and follow traffic safety instructions. Do not return until officials announce it is safe.

Level 2 BE SET means residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Conditions may change quickly, and residents should stay alert and keep essential items ready.

Level 1 BE READY means residents should remain aware of the fire situation and be prepared if evacuation levels increase.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Akawa Fire information can be found at https://facebook.com/akawabuttefire

The Red Cross continues to support evacuees with a shelter at Sisters High School: 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd.

For Pet OR Large Animal Evacuation:

The Pet Evacuation Team is available to support animal-related evacuation needs. They can be reached at 541-610-6628.

For Large Animal Evacuation

Mustangs to the Rescue is available by call or text at 541-350-2406. An alternate number for Mustangs to the Rescue is 541-948-9535 (call or text).

Community members are encouraged to sign up for Deschutes Alerts to receive timely emergency notifications: https://deschutesalerts.org

For a live map of evacuation areas, visit deschutes.org/emergency or protect.genasys.com

For additional fire information and regional updates, visit: https://centraloregonfire.org

Click here to follow the original article.

Lance Campbell

Hot, dry weather, low humidity, and occasional gusty winds continue to keep fire danger very high across Central Oregon. With several active wildfires already burning, it only takes one spark to start another.

Here are a few simple ways you can help protect our communities:

Prevent human-caused sparks. Avoid mowing dry grass during the hottest part of the day, parking or driving on dry vegetation, or using equipment that can create sparks. Always check local fire restrictions before burning or having a campfire.Never fly drones near wildfires. If a drone is spotted, firefighting aircraft must stop flying immediately for safety. That delays water drops and other firefighting efforts. If you fly, they can’t.Stay away from active fires. Please don’t drive to wildfire areas to watch or take photos. Extra traffic can slow emergency responders and make firefighting more difficult.Drive carefully in smoke. If you encounter heavy smoke, slow down, turn on your headlights, and leave extra following distance.

Stay Informed

As always, we’ll continue keeping you updated on the latest weather, fire conditions, and air quality here on KTVZ. Thank you for doing your part to help protect Central Oregon, our firefighters, and our communities.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.