Mariana Ruiz-Temple invokes emergency conflagration act as wildfires spread across Central Oregon

State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple has invoked an emergency conflagration act to manage the rapid spread of wildfires across Central Oregon. This marks the fifth time the act has been used this year to assign specific management teams and task forces to major incidents, including the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires. The fires were largely ignited by a series of thunderstorms that produced thousands of lightning strikes. High temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds have made firefighting difficult, leaving many fires at 0% containment as of Saturday morning. The Brewer Fire has expanded to 10,000 acres, while the Akawa Butte Fire has grown to 5,000 acres. Numerous evacuation orders are currently in effect across Wheeler, Gilliam, Sherman, and Jefferson counties. Residents are urged to remain wildfire aware and monitor local emergency alerts as resources remain stretched thin. Firefighters are utilizing a mix of ground crews, aircraft, and heavy equipment to battle the flames and protect nearby homes and structures.

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