Akawa Butte Fire Update: Shifting Conditions Prompt New Evacuation Levels From The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office - 07/21/26
Deschutes County, Ore. -- As of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have added new evacuation areas for the Akawa Butte Fire. Weather conditions continued to shift the fire to the Southwest throughout the day. The changes to evacuation levels include Forest Service land and private property north of the City of Sisters and generally in the area of Indian Ford Road, Camp Polk Road, and Wilt Road.
These are current as of Tuesday, July 21st / 5 PM:
New Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notices:
- Forest lands (USFS and private) east of FS Road 2050, approximately 4 miles to the National Forest Boundary. Commonly referred to as the northern portion of Sage Flat and the southern portion of Stevens Canyon.
New Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices:
- 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.
New Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notices:
- Areas between Indian Ford Creek and Camp Polk Road and Indian Ford Road from the 69600 Block of Camp Polk Road north to Hwy 20.
- Private property on the north of Indian Ford Road to the Forest Boundary.
EXISTING EVACUATION NOTICES
Level 3 (Go Now)
The following area is now at Level 3 (Go Now):
- Northern part of Stevens Canyon Road between Forest Road 2050 and west of Wilt Road north of Big Buck Road.
- Forest lands (USFS and private) east of FS Road 2050, approximately 4 miles to the National Forest Boundary. Commonly referred to as the northern portion of Sage Flat and the southern portion of Stevens Canyon
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)
The following area is now at Level 2 (Be Set):
- Addresses on the east side of Wilt Road, north of Big Buck Road to the county line.
- 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.
- Forest Service lands west of FS 2052 to the FS 11 and north of private property off Indian Ford Rd.
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)
Previously Issued and Still in Effect. Existing Level 1 areas include:
- Wilt Road north of Buffalo Drive to Big Buck Rd.
- Northern single lane section of Mountain View Road
- Pine Ridge Rd and Fox Ridge Circle off of Indian Ford Road
- Areas between Indian Ford Creek and Camp Polk Road and Indian Ford Road from the 69600 Block of Camp Polk Road north to Hwy 20.
- Private property on the north of Indian Ford Road to the Forest Boundary.
Level 1 BE READY means residents should remain aware of the fire situation and be prepared if evacuation levels increase.
Akawa Fire information can be found at https://facebook.com/akawabuttefire
Additional Resources:
- The Red Cross continues to support evacuees with a shelter at Sisters High School: 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd.
- The Pet Evacuation Team is available to support animal-related evacuation needs. They can be reached at 541-610-6628.
- 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