Jennifer Letz urges residents to prepare for evacuation as the Akawa Butte Fire expands across central Oregon.

Jennifer Letz, the mayor of Sisters, has urged residents to prepare for potential evacuations as the Akawa Butte Fire continues to grow in central Oregon. The fire, which has scorched at least 26,150 acres with only 3% containment, was pushed by violent wind shifts and thunderstorms on Wednesday. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office elevated several areas to Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation status, requiring residents to leave immediately. These zones include areas around Indian Ford Road, Wilt Road, and the Henkle Butte area. Additionally, new Level 1 (Be Ready) notices were issued for regions south of Forest Service Road 600 and east of Highway 20. Firefighters are currently utilizing heavy equipment to construct control lines while managing 150 to 200-foot flame lengths. The Red Cross is providing shelter at Sisters High School for those displaced by the blaze. Officials recommend that residents monitor the Genasys Protect Map for real-time updates as the fire moves east toward Sisters.

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