Incident Summary:

The Awaka Fire is burning 13 miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon, in timber, brush, and grass, and was sparked by lightning on July 16, 2026.

Current Status:

Currently, the fire has burned about 27,222 acres and is 5% contained.

Fire behavior has been deemed extreme with spotting, torching, and wind-driven runs.

About 3,525 single-family residences and 1,288 other minor structures are threatened. Two structures have been lost.

⚠️Evacuations are in effect.

Updates: Jefferson & Deschutes County SO.

Resources:

There is a total of 1,194 personnel with 46 crews, 87 engines, and 18 helicopters.

Incident Partners: (Fluid list)

Akawa Butte Fire PIO

Netarts-Oceanside Fire District

OR DEM

Valencia County FD

Ochoco Excavation LLC

InciNotes

Aurora Fire District

Harrisburg Volunteer FF Association

OSFM

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District

Cloverdale RFPD

Black Butte Ranch FD

USFS – Deschutes National Forest

City of Sisters

Red Cross Cascades Region

Black Butte Ranch PD

Deschutes County

Sisters Park & Rec District

Gilroy FD

Salvation Army Bend & Central Oregon

Marion County Pro FFs Local 2557

Kwak Aviation Technologies

Dallas Fire & EMS

Polk County Fire District 1

US NWS IMET

NOAA NWS Storm Prediction Center

US NWS Portland

Jefferson County SO

Dechutes County SO

CTD: 15.5 million dollars.

Sources: NIFC, NWCC, Akawa Butte Fire PIO

Photo Credit: Akawa Butte Fire PIO

(c) 2026 NW Fire Blog – 7/26/2026 1645 PT