Afternoon Thunderstorms And Windy Conditions Prompt More Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation Notices For Akawa Butte Fire - 07/22/26

Deschutes County, Ore. -- Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have elevated more areas of the Akawa Butte Fire to Level 3 (Go Now) as of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. New zones have also been added to Level 1 (Be Ready) as hot and windy conditions continue pushing fire activity in various directions. Fire officials on the ground say current thunderstorms are causing violent shifts in wind and fire direction. The fire was pushing south toward Sisters, but is now moving east.  

With conditions changing rapidly, the Sheriff’s Office recommends people use the Genasys Protect Map for updated evacuation areas: deschutes.org/emergency or protect.genasys.com

THESE ARE CURRENT AS OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 22^ND / 4:00 PM:

Road Closures Still in Effect:

• Indian Ford Road between Hwy 20 and Meadow View Lane
• Wilt Road north of Buffalo Drive
• Wilt Road at Camp Polk
• Camp Polk at Crooked Horseshoe

UPDATED EVACUATION ZONES HIGHLIGHTED IN RED

New Level 3 (Go Now) 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 North Pine Street.
• 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
• Area surrounding Camp Polk Cemetery
• Fair Mile Road south of Wilt Road, including Suntree Lane
• Area of Old Wagon Road, West Meadow Parkway, and Tumbleweed Turn
• Cascade Meadow Ranch to include Windigo Trail Road
• 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
• USFS lands north of Cascade Meadows Ranch to Indian Ford Creek and west of North Pine Street, including the Zimmerman Butte area.
• Freemont Canyon area east of Wilt Road and north of Big Buck Road, to include Rimrock Ranch
• Pine Ridge Road and Fox Ridge Circle off of Indian Ford Road
• 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
• Private property on both sides of the northern portion of Indian Ford Road north of Indian Ford Creek to the Forest Boundary.

New Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices:

• No zones currently in Level 2 (Be Set)

New Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notices:

• South of Forest Service Road 600, east of Hwy 20, west of Pine Street, also known as Forest Service Road-2058, and north of Forest Service Road 100.
• Area of Trapper Point Road and Crooked Horseshoe Road
• Deer Ridge Road, Foothill Lane and Foothill Loop, and Big View Drive
• The Hill Subdivision, Old Juniper Road, Cattle Drive, Sundown, Lower Cattle Drive and Omaha Drive.
• USFS lands north of Hwy 20, west of FS Road 11, and south of the Deschutes/Jefferson County line.

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

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Akawa Butte Fire Update: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Closes Two Roads As Evacuation Notices Increase (Photo) - 07/22/26

Deschutes County, Ore. -- Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have added new evacuation areas for the Akawa Butte Fire as of 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, and announced two road closures. Fire activity continued to shift to the South and Southwest throughout the night. 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 Wednesday, July 22^nd / 12 PM:

Road Closures:

• Indian Ford Road between Hwy 20 and Meadow View Lane
• Wilt Road north of Buffalo Drive

New Level 3 (Go Now) 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. Excluding Fox Ridge Circle and Pine Ridge Road
• Private property on both sides of the northern portion of Indian Ford Road north of Indian Ford Creek to the Forest Boundary.

New Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices:

• Pine Ridge Road and Fox Ridge Circle off of Indian Ford Road
• Wilt Road north of Buffalo Drive to Big Buck Road.
• Northern single-lane section of Mountain View Road
• Areas between Indian Ford Creek and Camp Polk Road and Indian Ford Road from the 69600 Block of Camp Polk Road north to North Pine Street.
• USFS lands north of Cascade Meadows Ranch to Indian Ford Creek and west of North Pine Street, including the Zimmerman Butte area.

New Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notices:

• Areas between Wilt Road and Whychus Creek from Camp Polk Road north to the 17700 Block of Mountain View Road, including Whychus Canyon Estates, Henkle Butte, and Sno Cap Vista.
• Areas between North Pine Street and Indian Ford Creek north of Lundy Road, including the Sage Meadow areas.
• The Hill Subdivision, Old Juniper Rd, Cattle Dr, Sundown, Lower Cattle Dr, and Omaha Drive.
• USFS lands north of Hwy 20, west of FS Road 11, and south of the Deschutes/Jefferson County line.
• Cascade Meadow Estates

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.
• 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

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Akawa Butte Fire Update: Shifting Conditions Prompt New Evacuation Levels From The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office - 07/21/26

***EVACUATION LEVEL UPDATE AS OF 8:00 P.M., TUESDAY, JULY 21***

The following area that was previously under a Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation Notice has been upgraded to a Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice:

• Private property on the north of Indian Ford Creek to the Forest Boundary. This area has been upgraded to a Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice. 

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 21^st / 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.
• Private property on the north of Indian Ford Creek Road to the Forest Boundary.

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.

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

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Adds Forest Service Land To The Akawa Butte Fire Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation Zone (Photo) - 07/21/26

Deschutes County, Ore. -- Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have added new Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation areas for the Akawa Butte Fire as fire activity continues to shift to the Southwest. The expanded zone is primarily on Forest Service land, and no structures exist in that area.   

New Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notices as of Tuesday, July 21^st:  

• Forest Service lands east of FS Road 2052 and west of FS Road 2050 (Garrison Butte area).

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.

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.

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
• Forest Service lands west of FS 2052 to the FS 11 and north of private property off Indian Ford Rd.

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

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adds Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation Notices To The Akawa Butte Fire - 07/20/26

Deschutes County, Ore. -- Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have added new evacuation levels for the Akawa Butte Fire as fire activity continues to shift and threaten nearby areas.

New Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notices as of Monday, July 20th:

• Forest Service lands east of the 11 road (Green Ridge Rd) and North of Indian Ford Rd to Garrison Butte
• North side of Indian Ford Road east to Camp Polk Road including Fox Ridge Circle and Pine Ridge Road.
• North side of Wilt Rd from Camp Polk to Big Buck.

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.

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.

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 Wilt and Big Buck Road
• Northern single lane section of Mountain View Road
• Deschutes County portion of Stevens Canyon Road west to Garrison Butte

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:

• A full shelter has been set up at Sisters High School located at 1700 W McKinney Butte Road, Sisters, OR, 97759
• 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

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Announces Updated Evacuation Levels For Akawa Butte Fire - 07/19/26

***SHELTER LOCATION UPDATE***
 

Sisters High School is now the shelter location for those needing assistance due to evacuations from the Akawa Butte Fire. 

Deschutes County, Ore. -- Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have updated evacuation levels for the Akawa Butte Fire as fire activity continues to shift and threaten nearby areas.

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.

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.

Level 2 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 Wilt and Big Buck Road

• Northern single‑lane section of Mountain View Road

• Deschutes County portion of Stevens Canyon Road west to Garrison Butte

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

A full shelter has been set up at Sisters High School. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Deschutes Alerts to receive timely emergency notifications:

https://deschutesalerts.org

For additional fire information and regional updates, visit:

https://centraloregonfire.org

Oak Fire Update: Evacuations Lifted, Forward Progress Stopped - 07/19/26

Redmond, Ore. -- All evacuation levels associated with the Oak Fire west of Redmond have now been lifted, and it is safe for residents to return home.

Forward progress on the fire has been stopped. The fire is estimated at approximately 5 acres. Firefighters will continue patrolling and conducting mop-up operations throughout the area. No structure losses have been reported.

All temporary shelters established for this incident are being closed.

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Updated Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation Notices Issued For The Akawa Butte Fire - 07/19/26

Deschutes County, Ore. -- Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office are updating evacuation levels for the Akawa Butte Fire, which continues to burn in Jefferson County near the Deschutes County line. 

Additional Level 1 (Be Ready) zones are being added west of the existing Level 1 areas added Friday, July 17.

New Level 1 Area (Added Sunday, July 19)

The Level 1 (Be Ready) zone is being expanded to include: The Deschutes County portion of Stevens Canyon Road extending west to Garrison Butte.

This expansion provides residents in the area with early notice and additional time to prepare should conditions worsen.

Existing Level 1 Areas (Issued Friday, July 17)

The following Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation areas remain in effect:

• Wilt Road

• North of Wilt and Big Buck Road

• Northern single‑lane section of Mountain View Road

What Level 1 Means

Level 1 (Be Ready) means residents should remain aware of the fire situation, monitor official updates, and prepare for possible evacuation. While evacuation is not required at this level, households should:

• Review their evacuation plan

• Gather essential items

• Be ready to leave quickly if conditions change

The Akawa Butte Fire continues to challenge firefighting efforts due to shifting winds and limited resources across the region. Fire officials will update evacuation levels as conditions evolve.

Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for Deschutes Alerts to receive timely emergency notifications:

https://deschutesalerts.org

For additional fire information and regional updates, visit:

https://centraloregonfire.org

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Oak Fire Update: Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation Area Reduced As Crews Make Progress - 07/19/26

Redmond, Ore. — Crews have made progress on the Oak Fire west of Redmond, allowing fire officials to lift evacuation notices for several areas. However, locations closest to the fire remain under Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation status and residents must continue to evacuate or stay out of the area.

Level 3 – (GO NOW) remains in place for the following areas:
• Kingwood Drive
• Maple Lane
• Oak Lane west of 101st

Residents in these areas should not return until officials determine it is safe.

Temporary Shelter:
Evacuated residents may go to Highland Baptist Church for temporary shelter.

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Evacuation Notices Lifted
All other areas previously under Level 3 (GO NOW) or Level 2 (BE SET) evacuation notices are no longer under evacuation levels.

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Stay Informed:
• Deschutes Alerts: https://www.deschutes.org/alerts
• Central Oregon Fire Info: https://centraloregonfire.org
• Local government social media channels
• TV and radio updates
• Cell phone emergency alerts
• www.deschutes.org/emergency

Only call 911 if you are experiencing an immediate life‑safety emergency.

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Oak Fire Update: Horse Shelter Available At Deschutes County Fairgrounds - 07/19/26

***UPDATED INFORMATION***

The Deschutes County Fairgrounds is providing short-term horse sheltering.  The Pet Evacuation Team (PET) and Mustangs to The Rescue assisting with animal evacuation and sheltering. 

PET: https://www.petevacuationteam.com/

Mustangs to the Rescue:

https://www.mustangstotherescue.org/

Current LEVEL 3 (Go Now) and LEVEL 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notices remain in place at this time.

Redmond, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued new evacuation levels due to rapid fire growth on the Oak Fire, currently estimated at approximately 2 acres. The fire is moving quickly and burning adjacent to a residential area.

Level 3 – Go Now (Mandatory Evacuation)

Residents in the following area must evacuate immediately: North of HWY 126 to Kachina and the west end of Kingwood to 91st east.

Level 3 means Go Now:

There is extreme danger. Leave immediately. Do not take time to gather belongings or attempt to protect property. Public safety personnel may not be able to assist those who remain. Drive carefully, turn on headlights, and follow all traffic‑safety instructions. Do not return until officials announce it is safe.

Level 2 – Be Set (Be Ready to Evacuate Immediately) The following area is now at Level 2: West of 101st Street and south of HWY 126 to Eagle Crest Blvd.

Level 2 means Be Set:

Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Conditions may change quickly, and residents should have essential items ready and remain attentive to emergency updates.

After evacuating or if you are in a Level 2 area, continue to monitor local social media, television, radio, your phone, and www.deschutes.org/emergency for updated information.

Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing an immediate life‑safety emergency.

A temporary evacuation site has been set up at Highland Baptist Church by Red Cross. 
 

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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Helps Injured 71-Year-Old Male Near Elk Lake (Photo) - 07/19/26

Elk Lake, Ore. -- On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to a call at 2:30 p.m. involving a 71‑year‑old male with a reported back injury near the Island Meadow Trailhead by Elk Lake. The male was approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead and unable to make it back on his own.

Thirteen SAR volunteers deployed to the area and located the male along the trail at 4:28 p.m. After an initial assessment, SAR volunteers utilized a single‑wheel litter—a rescue stretcher equipped with one wheel to assist with transport over uneven terrain—to safely move the patient back to the trailhead.

The male chose to self‑transport to the hospital with members of his party. No additional injuries were reported.

The Sheriff's Office extends its appreciation to the SAR volunteers for a quick and efficient response.

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The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Issues Level 3 (Go Now) And Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice In Redmond’s Dry Canyon - 07/17/26

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Issues Level 1 Evacuation Notice For Akawa Fire - 07/17/26

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Hosting Free Community Shred Event This Saturday In Sisters (Photo) - 07/15/26

Sisters, Ore. — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Republic Services, is hosting a free Community Shred Event on Saturday, July 18, at the Sisters Sheriff’s Office Substation, located at 703 N Larch Street. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or until the shred truck is full.

This residential-only service helps community members protect their personal information while offering on-site disposal of unwanted medications, collection of worn or tattered American flags for proper retirement, and acceptance of non‑perishable food donations for a local food bank.

Shredding Guidelines:

• Paper clips and staples may remain attached.
• Plastic bags and three-ring binders cannot be accepted.
• Please limit shredding to no more than four boxes of documents per household.
• For larger quantities, contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263.

In addition to document shredding, each event will offer safe medication disposal. Accepted items include prescriptions, patches, ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples, and pet medications. Items not accepted include sharps, thermometers, inhalers, aerosols, or other pressurized containers.

Community members may also bring worn or tattered American flags for proper retirement. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted on-site and donated to a local food bank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents, unwanted medications, and worn flags—all while supporting the local community.

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Coyner Fire Level 3 Evacuation Notices Dropped To Level 1; Fire Now 20% Contained - 07/06/26

Coyner Fire North Of Redmond At 20.7 Acres; 10% Contained (Photo) - 07/05/26

Wildfire Activity In Redmond Prompting Evacuation Level 3 (Go Now) And Level 2 (Get Set) Near Tetherow Rd, Helmholtz Way, And Ivancovich Road (Photo) - 07/04/26

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Announces Balanced Budget For Fiscal Year 2026-27 Thanks To $1 Million In Efficiencies - 06/25/26

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office moves forward with a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27, made possible by identifying roughly $1 million in reduced costs and operational efficiencies. That played a significant role in balancing the budget without reducing core public safety services.

These expense reductions came from reviewing every line of the budget and finding smarter, more cost-effective ways to do business. Sheriff Ty Rupert remains committed to saving money, improving efficiency, and being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

“We know families and businesses are watching their budgets closely right now, and we’re doing the same,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Identifying $1 million in reduced costs took careful work, but it reflects our commitment to running a cost-effective and efficient Sheriff’s Office.”

One example is a new effort to pay certain vendors within 10 days of receiving an invoice. In return, those vendors agree to reduce their prices by 1 to 10 percent. Over time, these small discounts add up to meaningful savings for taxpayers. As the Sheriff notes, every penny matters when you work for the people.

Other efficiencies came from delaying or reducing lower-priority expenses, streamlining internal processes, and finding more cost-effective ways to manage staffing, equipment, and technology needs.

The FY26–27 budget totals $72.2 million and covers the Sheriff’s Office personnel, day-to-day operations, necessary equipment, and capital projects. Even with rising costs for medical care in the jail, technology upgrades, and public safety equipment, the Sheriff’s Office maintained a balanced budget by tightening spending elsewhere.

Sheriff Rupert says the goal is simple: provide high-quality public safety services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

“Our team worked hard to identify real, meaningful savings without compromising the safety of the community. By taking a closer look at how we spend every dollar, we built a balanced budget that strengthens our services and shows we’re committed to being good stewards of public resources,” explained Sheriff Rupert.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue looking for long-term savings and smart operational improvements to serve the community as effectively and responsibly as possible.

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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Called To Aid Injured Motorcycle Rider Near Cache Mountain (Photo) - 06/23/26

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Urges The Public To Review Emergency Evacuation Levels, Sign Up For Deschutes Alerts (Photo) - 06/23/26

Bend, Ore. – After last week’s brushfire in Alfalfa threatened homes and led to several evacuation notices, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is urging community members to stay alert and prepare for wildfire season.

It’s important to understand Oregon’s three emergency evacuation levels—Level 1: Be Ready, Level 2: Be Set, and Level 3: Go Now. These notices can change quickly, and knowing how to respond helps protect you, your property, and first responders. During wildfire season, evacuation notices are issued whenever a brush fire or wildfire threatens homes, property, or businesses. 

Evacuation Levels at a Glance:

• Level 1 – Be Ready: There is potential danger in the area. Prepare your emergency plan and go-kit and stay alert for changing conditions.
• Level 2 – Be Set: Significant danger is nearby. You should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Those who need extra time should evacuate now.
• Level 3 – Go Now: Danger is imminent. Leave immediately. Do not delay for any reason, including packing or attempting to prepare your home.

The Sheriff's Office is also reminding everyone who lives in Deschutes County to sign up for Deschutes Alerts, the county’s official emergency notification system. After signing up, you’ll receive alerts for locations you’ve registered.

“These notifications are not limited to wildfires. They are used for all types of emergencies that may affect neighborhoods, workplaces, and the community, including hazardous-materials incidents, law-enforcement activity, flooding, evacuations, and more,” explains Ben Duda, Emergency Manager for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “Signing up is quick, free, and one of the most important steps you can take to stay informed during fast‑moving events.”

When you register for Deschutes Alerts, you’ll only receive notifications about emergencies that impact the specific locations you choose—such as your home, workplace, or other places you care about. If you want to stay updated on other areas of the county, like where your friends or family live, you can easily add multiple locations to your profile.

Resources

• For more information on Deschutes Alerts, visit: www.deschutesalerts.org
• Wildfire preparedness resources are available at: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/

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