Akawa Butte fire reaches 10 percent containment as evacuees return home

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Fire officials announced tonight that the Akawa Butte Fire is 10% contained and now fully surrounded by hand lines and dozer lines. The update was provided during a community meeting held in Sisters earlier this evening, where officials reported the containment level had doubled in just a few hours.

The progress on the Akawa Butte Fire follows extensive efforts, including battling a wall of fire six miles wide. Thousands of firefighters, some from across the state, country and internationally, have contributed to these efforts. The hard work has led to some fire evacuations being reduced, allowing residents to reenter their homes.

Steve Chapman, an official with the OSFM Red Team, provided details regarding the deployment and reassignment of fire personnel. He stated that one task force would continue working through the night. “We have one more task force out tonight,” Chapman said. “They're going to be out there till about two in the morning and then we're going to demoed them and send them home so they can get some rest. Tomorrow we're going to have our last two task forces on this fire. And our team is going to be moving. But our last two task forces are going to work tomorrow until about five in the evening, finish off their shift and then they're going to go up to the Bench Fire.” A highlight of the meeting was when fire officials received a standing ovation from the audience upon confirming that no firefighters have been seriously injured in the blaze. With the progress made, some crews are being pulled from the Akawa Butte Fire and reassigned to other blazes in the region, including the Bench Fire.

The remaining two task forces assigned to the Akawa Butte Fire are expected to complete their shifts tomorrow until about 5 p.m., after which they will be reassigned to the Bench Fire.