Salem, OR — On July 18, 2026, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. The Central Oregon Fire Defense Board chiefs requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection, and the state fire marshal concurred with that request.
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fires, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor’s declaration allows the state fire marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene. The conflagration was declared only for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties.
A link to Executive Order 26-17 can be found here.
For evacuation updates, click here or visit the Deschutes County Emergency Information page, or visit the Jefferson County Emergency Management page. To sign up for alerts in your area, click here. Get current information about this fire here.