Prineville, Ore. — Crook County commissioners unanimously declared a local state of emergency Wednesday afternoon as multiple wildfires continued to grow across the region, with fire officials reporting Thursday morning that protecting homes and communities around Prineville remains their top priority following a day of extreme fire behavior.
The declaration was approved during an emergency meeting of the Crook County Board of Commissioners at 4 p.m. on July 22nd. County officials said the action was prompted by recommendations from Crook County Emergency Management and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office as firefighters battled several major incidents throughout Central Oregon. The declaration came just hours before red flag weather produced extreme fire behavior on the Brewer and Box Springs fires, conditions that incident managers said continued to challenge suppression efforts into Thursday.
Resolution 2026-34 states that lightning storms during the week of July 13th ignited numerous wildfires across Crook County and surrounding counties. The resolution specifically identifies the Brewer, Coyote and Henry fires, along with several smaller fires, while also noting that neighboring fires—including the Box Springs Fire—have threatened or already crossed into Crook County.
County commissioners found that ongoing drought conditions, challenging weather and limited regional firefighting resources have created an emergency that threatens public safety, homes, other property and the livelihoods of county residents. The resolution also notes that the County Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate evacuation notifications and other emergency response efforts.
Under the declaration, adopted pursuant to ORS 401.305, the Board determined that local resources have been exhausted and directed Crook County Emergency Services to take all actions authorized by law to protect people and property throughout the county.
In a statement to the Prineville Review, Crook County Commission Chair Seth Crawford said the declaration was driven in part by forecasts calling for dangerous fire weather over the coming days.
“Crook County held an emergency meeting today at 4 p.m. prompted by emergency management and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, in accordance with the county’s Emergency Operations Plan, declaring a fire emergency,” Crawford said. “This declaration allows emergency responders to continue their ongoing efforts to protect the citizens and property of Crook County.”
Crawford said the situation escalated to the level of an emergency because of reports received by first responders regarding significant weather events expected to begin Wednesday evening and continue over the next several days.
“This also will put anyone who loses property in a stronger position to receive state and federal relief,” Crawford said.
Thursday morning, incident officials reported that both the Brewer and Box Springs fires continued to grow, although firefighters made progress along portions of each fire’s perimeter. Wednesday’s red flag weather brought extreme fire behavior, with strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity fueling fire growth while afternoon rainfall provided only minimal relief.
Overnight, crews strengthened hand and dozer lines along the southwest and southeast portions of the Brewer Fire, extinguished spot fires in the Allen Creek drainage and continued building direct fireline where conditions allowed. Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces remained focused on protecting homes near Turner Creek and Grizzly roads, with additional structure protection efforts continuing Thursday around Lofton Creek Road, Sealy Springs Road and Grizzly Road.
Incident managers said Thursday’s operational priority remains standing between the Brewer Fire and the outlying communities of Prineville as additional firefighters continue arriving to reinforce suppression efforts.
Meanwhile, the Box Springs Fire experienced increased activity near the Crosswhite Fire, and officials said the two fires could soon merge. Incident management teams assigned to the Brewer, Box Springs and Rowe Creek Complex fires are coordinating suppression efforts as fire activity continues across the region.
The local declaration comes as wildfire activity remains elevated throughout Central Oregon during an already active fire season. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a statewide wildfire emergency in June, making additional state resources available as drought conditions and wildfire danger intensified across Oregon.
Fire officials will host a community meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Carey Foster Hall on the Crook County Fairgrounds. Officials from ODF Incident Management Team 3, the Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Team, California Team 1 and local agencies will provide operational updates on the Brewer, Box Springs, Coyote, Henry, Pilot, Conant and Crooked fires before holding question-and-answer breakout sessions with the public.
Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices remain in effect in areas affected by the Brewer and Box Springs fires. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, as evacuation levels may change as fire conditions evolve.
Smoke from the fires continues to affect air quality across portions of Central Oregon, and officials advise sensitive individuals to limit exposure when smoke is present. A temporary flight restriction also remains in place over the fire area, and the public is reminded not to fly drones near wildfires, as unauthorized aircraft can ground firefighting operations and endanger firefighters.
County officials continue to urge residents to remain prepared for rapidly changing fire conditions, stay aware of evacuation notices and follow the direction of emergency responders.on notices, remain prepared for rapidly changing fire conditions and follow directions from emergency responders.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject matter expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
