Two major wildfires continued to grow across Jefferson and Crook counties Monday, with fire officials warning that hot, dry, and gusty Tuesday conditions could drive further extreme fire behavior. Residents in affected areas are urged to monitor evacuation orders and leave immediately if ordered to do so.

Brewer Fire: 24,460 Acres, 1% Contained

The Brewer Fire, which ignited on July 16 in Jefferson County following a thunderstorm that produced thousands of lightning strikes across north-central Oregon, has grown to 24,460 acres and crossed into Crook County over the weekend. As of Monday, the fire stood at just 1% containment, according to Central Oregon Fire Information.

Overnight crews focused their efforts along fire lines nearest to residential areas, with wildland and structural firefighters engaged in structure protection along SE Grizzly Road and in the Lofton Creek, Turner Creek Road, McKay, and Allen Creek areas. Three structural task forces are working hand-in-hand with wildland partners to protect homes and outbuildings. Additional resources continue to arrive from across the state.

Strong afternoon winds have driven the fire's main growth to the south and southeast. Officials said they expect fire intensity to increase again Tuesday afternoon as high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds return.

Brewer Fire Evacuation Levels

  • Level 3 — GO: Immediate surrounding areas — leave now, do not wait
  • Level 2 — BE SET: Areas east and west of the fire — be ready to leave at a moment's notice
  • Level 1 — BE READY: Surrounding communities — monitor emergency channels

Jefferson County residents should check JeffCo Emergency Management at jeffco.net. Crook County evacuation orders are issued by the Crook County Sheriff's Office. For the most current maps and evacuation zone information, visit centraloregonfire.org.

Akawa Butte Fire: 10,325 Acres Near Crooked River Ranch

The Akawa Butte Fire, located roughly nine miles northwest of Crooked River Ranch near Lake Billy Chinook, has grown to 10,325 acres and remains at 0% containment. The fire was first spotted by crews Thursday and is not believed to have been caused by the lightning storm.

As of Monday, no properties at Crooked River Ranch had been directly affected, though evacuation levels remain in place for the immediate area. Fire lines held overnight, and night crews continued working to maintain perimeter control and provide access for heavy equipment.

State Conflagration Act Invoked

The Oregon State Fire Marshal invoked the emergency conflagration act — for the fifth time this year — assigning the Red Incident Management Team and multiple task forces to the fires in Jefferson County.

"The conditions we're seeing across Oregon have challenged firefighters for the past week and the current forecast isn't providing much relief. I'm urging every Oregonian to be wildfire aware and to sign up for their county's emergency alerts. Know the evacuation levels and follow them if they are issued."

— State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple

Key Resources

  • Jefferson County emergency alerts: jeffco.net
  • Fire updates: centraloregonfire.org
  • Air quality: oregonair.org
  • Oregon wildfire map: oregon.gov/odf/fire