Wildfire threatens about 1,200 homes in central Oregon

SISTERS, Ore. – A wildfire driven by wind in central Oregon is burning about 2,000 acres and threatening an estimated 1,200 homes, prompting officials to notify residents to be ready to evacuate.

Oregon Department of Forestry officials said the Akawana Fire was reported Tuesday and is burning on private forest land some 13 miles north of Sisters.

Homes in a subdivision near Lake Billy Chinook are about three miles from the active part of the fire, which is burning in heavy brush and beetle-killed ponderosa pine fuels.

Forestry officials said they expect the fire to continue growing in the next 24 hours due to wind in the area.

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