Sisters, Ore…Mop-up operations for the 2,094 acre Akawana Fire are near complete. The fire is now 95% contained, with a 500 foot cold black line around most of the perimeter. Smoke may continue to be visible from material burning in the interior of the fire for several weeks. Cool, moist weather throughout central Oregon has aided firefighters during the mop-up activities, and reduced interior fire activity. Firefighters experienced scattered showers over some parts of the fire today and the weather forecast calls for additional precipitation over the next few days.
The Type 3 Team, led by Incident Commander Rob Pentzer, will transfer command of the fire back to ODF’s Central Oregon District Thursday morning. A ten person hand crew from the District will continue to patrol the fire, extinguishing any smoke or flames within the 500 foot perimeter on Thursday. District personnel will continue to monitor the fire and provide regular patrols throughout fire season.
The Emergency Area Closure implemented for public safety near the fire for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River Grassland was lifted June 14, 2016 at 6:00 am. The public is asked to keep clear of firefighting activities, including mop-up operations and patrols within the Akawana Fire perimeter.
While the weather may be in a cooling trend, with scattered moisture it is still fire season in the Central Oregon District. Burning is allowed by permit only, please contact your local ODF office for further information. Exploding targets and tracer ammunition are prohibited during fire season, as well as sky lanterns.
This will be the final news release for the Akawana Fire. Please direct questions or requests for information to Christie Shaw (541-263-0661), Information Officer for the Central Oregon District. For more information on ODF’s Central Oregon District visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
