Governor Tina Kotek announces federal funding to cover 75% of the costs for the Akawa Butte Fire

Governor Tina Kotek visited Central Oregon to tour the Akawa Butte Fire, which has now devastated nearly 30,000 acres. The administration announced a Fire Management Assistance Grant that will cover 75% of the blaze's costs, significantly easing the financial burden on state and local governments. The fire is currently the nation's highest-priority incident for resource allocation, reaching National Planning Level Five status. While firefighting teams from Australia and New Zealand are en route to provide international support, the state is also preparing to deploy the Oregon National Guard. Governor Tina Kotek noted that the Guard will assist with mop-up operations once the fire reaches a sufficient level of containment. The blaze has already destroyed two homes and continues to threaten hundreds more in the Sisters and Camp Sherman areas. With daily costs potentially exceeding $1 million, the fire remains a critical focus for regional officials as they manage the strain on available firefighting assets.

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