FIRE ALERT: Evacuations continue as the Akawa Butte Fire approaches Sisters

(Update: adding link to Genasys Protect, video)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office have elevated more areas of the Akawa Butte Fire to Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation as of 4:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 22.

New zones have also been added to Level one (Be Ready) as hot and windy conditions continue to push fire activity across Deschutes County, Ore.

Rapidly changing conditions, including violent shifts in wind and fire direction caused by current thunderstorms, have prompted these updated evacuation notices.

The fire, which was previously pushing south toward Sisters, is now moving east. The Sheriff's Office recommends that residents use the Genasys Protect Map for updated evacuation areas.

Several new areas have been placed under Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notices.

These include areas between Indian Ford Creek and Camp Polk Road and Indian Ford Road from the 69600 Block of Camp Polk Road north to North Pine Street. Squaw Creek Canyon Estates to include areas off Mt. View Road between Appaloosa Drive and Buffalo Drive, the Henkle Butte area, Vista Ridge Drive, Stardust Lane and Annie's Drive and the area surrounding Camp Polk Cemetery are also under Level three. Further areas include Fair Mile Road south of Wilt Road, including Suntree Lane, the area of Old Wagon Road, West Meadow Parkway and Tumbleweed Turn, Cascade Meadow Ranch to include Windigo Trail Road and the Meadow View Road area between Indian Ford Road and Indian Ford Creek. The northern end of Mt. View Road, Wilt Road north of Buffalo Drive to Big Buck Road and USFS lands north of Cascade Meadows Ranch to Indian Ford Creek and west of North Pine Street, including the Zimmerman Butte area, have also been elevated. Fremont Canyon east of Wilt Road and north of Big Buck Road, to include Rimrock Ranch, Pine Ridge Road and Fox Ridge Circle off of Indian Ford Road and certain forest land and private property portions of Indian Ford Road north of Indian Ford Creek to the Forest Boundary, are also affected.

New Level one (Be Ready) evacuation notices have been issued for areas south of Forest Service Road 600, east of Highway 20, west of Pine Street (also known as Forest Service Road-2058), and north of Forest Service Road 100. This level also includes the area of Trapper Point Road and Crooked Horseshoe Road, Deer Ridge Road, Foothill Lane and Foothill Loop and Big View Drive. Additionally, the Hill Subdivision, Old Juniper Road, Cattle Drive, Sundown, Lower Cattle Drive and Omaha Drive are now under Level 1, as are USFS lands north of Highway 20, west of Forest Service Road 11 and south of the Deschutes-Jefferson County line.

Road closures remain in effect for Indian Ford Road between Highway 20 and Meadow View Lane. Wilt Road is closed north of Buffalo Drive and at Camp Polk and Camp Polk is closed at Crooked Horseshoe.

Level 3 (Go Now) means residents in affected areas should leave immediately. Individuals should not take time to gather belongings or attempt to protect property. They should drive carefully, use headlights and follow traffic safety instructions and not return until officials announce it is safe. Level two (Be Set) indicates residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. Conditions may change quickly and residents should stay alert and keep essential items ready. Level one (Be Ready) advises residents to remain aware of the fire situation and be prepared if evacuation levels increase.

The Red Cross continues to operate a shelter for evacuees at Sisters High School, located at 1700 W. McKinney Butte Road. For pet-related evacuation needs, the Pet Evacuation Team can be reached at 541-610-6628. For large animal evacuation, Mustangs to the Rescue is available by calling or texting 541-350-2406 or 541-948-9535.

• Akawa Fire information: https://facebook.com/akawabuttefire Deschutes Alerts: https://deschutesalerts.org Genasys Protect Map: https://deschutes.org/emergency or https://protect.genasys.com Regional fire updates: https://centraloregonfire.org

Community members are encouraged to sign up for Deschutes Alerts to receive timely emergency notifications. For additional fire information and regional updates, residents should visit the Central Oregon Fire website.