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Wildfire burning in Central Oregon; 900 homes threatened

Published  June 9, 2016 2:15pm PDT
Associated Press



BEND, Ore. (AP) — Firefighters backed by aircraft dropping fire retardant have a wildfire in central Oregon 30 percent contained.

The Oregon Department of Forestry says about 900 homes are still considered threatened and residents must be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. As of Thursday morning, the size of the Akawana fire north of Sisters and near Lake Billy Chinook was 1,930 acres.

The fire was caused on Tuesday by a lightning strike and was spread by strong winds. Downed trees, some felled by beetles, added fuel to the fire.

The Central Oregon Fire Management Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Jefferson and Deschutes County Emergency Management agencies are involved.

Gov. Kate Brown on Wednesday authorized firefighters and equipment from around Oregon to fight the wildfire.