Culver, Ore. – There is a wild fire southwest of the Three Rivers Recreation Area named the Akawana Fire and people residing in the Lake Chinook Fire District should be aware of a potential evacuation order. Be aware of the danger, monitor emergency service sources and local media for information. The fire is threatening approximately 1,200 homes in the Three Rivers subdivision near Lake Billy Chinook.
The 2,000-acre Akawana Fire reported June 7th is burning 13 miles north of Sisters in the Oregon Dept. of Forestry’s Central Oregon District on private lands. ODF has dispatched an incident management team to the fire. It will take over command of the firefighting operation from local ODF forces Thursday morning, with the incident command post to be located at the ODF office in Sisters. The fire is burning in heavy brush and beetle-killed ponderosa pine fuels.
Terrain is moderate, enabling bulldozers to build fire line effectively. The fire burned actively Tuesday evening with steady winds promoting spread. ODF fire managers expect continued growth over the next 24 hours as wind is forecast to persist. The fire is threatening approximately 1,200 homes in the Three Rivers subdivision near Lake Billy Chinook. Gov. Kate Brown has invoked the Oregon Conflagration Act to provide added protection to homes and other structures. The Conflagration Act authorizes structural firefighters and equipment from around the state to assist local fire departments in battling the fire.
In addition, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has dispatched a structural incident management team to the fire to assist with protection of homes and other structures. Those persons who will need additional time to exit an area or have health conditions (especially respiratory conditions that could be made worse by smoke) should consider leaving now. You are encouraged to prepare or even move livestock and pets out of the area. Be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
A Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate for all persons residing in the Lake Chinook Fire District. This district includes homes in The Rivers Recreation Area, Forest Park, and Chinook Village. This order does NOT affect Crooked River Ranch or the Cove Palisades State Park. This order is authorized by Sheriff Jim Adkins of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
Approved Oregon Evacuation Levels
LEVEL 1: A Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
LEVEL 2: A Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
LEVEL 3: A Level 3 Evacuation means “GO” Evacuate NOW LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe. Area radio and TV stations have been asked to broadcast periodic updates.
