Firefighters battling the Brewer Fire east of Culver are facing another dangerous day Thursday as a Red Flag Warning takes effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with gusty, erratic winds of 35 to 45 mph and temperatures in the 80s and 90s forecast across the fire area.

As of Wednesday evening, the Brewer Fire had grown to 27,932 acres with containment holding at just 5%. Crews worked through the night to reinforce control lines and made significant progress along the south and west flanks, but fire behavior remains active and unpredictable.

Thunderstorms Add a New Variable

Overnight firefighters quickly detected and extinguished several spot fires that crossed containment lines and successfully contained a slopover near Lofton Creek Road. The incident meteorologist has flagged a 35 to 50 percent chance of at least a tenth of an inch of rain later Thursday — welcome moisture if it arrives — but also warns that lightning could spark new ignitions before the rain falls.

Aviation resources will support operations as smoke and weather conditions allow, according to Central Oregon Fire Information.

Where Crews Are Focused

  • Expanding and installing new direct control lines on the eastern edge of the Brewer Fire
  • Patrolling and holding the south and western flanks
  • Tying in line on the Box Springs Fire and watching for spots to minimize spread
  • Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources conducting point protection and mop-up in the Lofton Creek and Grizzly Road areas

Evacuation Notices Remain in Effect

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices remain in place for portions of Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook counties. Residents under Level 3 (Leave Now) orders should not attempt to return home until authorities lift the order. Those under Level 1 (Be Ready) or Level 2 (Be Set) should have evacuation plans prepared and belongings ready to go on short notice.

Jefferson County Emergency Management urges residents to monitor the county's official social media channels and centraloregonfire.org for the latest updates throughout the day as conditions change rapidly.

A Somber Backdrop

The growing fire has already claimed a life. Stacy Chiddix, 58, died Monday afternoon after his ATV overturned on steep terrain near the northern edge of the fire while he was working to protect his property. Sheriff Jason Pollock confirmed first responders reached Chiddix via off-road vehicles through remote and fire-threatened terrain. A LifeFlight helicopter was placed on standby. Chiddix died of his injuries. A separate tribute to Chiddix appears in today's edition.

Anyone with questions about evacuation zones can contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or visit the county's emergency management page. Do not rely on social media alone — conditions and zone levels can change with little warning.