Thunderstorm precipitation slowed the Akawa Butte Fire on Tuesday, giving crews a window overnight to build direct control lines on the southern and western flanks.
150- to 200-foot flames, critically dry fuels and gusty outflow winds had earlier driven the fire downhill toward Indian Ford and Wilt roads and across Stevens Canyon Road, forcing firefighters to pull back on the south end.
Heavy equipment cut line around Wilt Road, crews knocked down numerous spot fires near Wilt and No Name roads, and four structure task forces worked into the evening to protect homes.
Multiple road closures took effect, Central Electric Cooperative shut off power from Stevens Canyon Road to Pine Glen Road and north of Indian Ford Road, and a Red Flag Warning remained in place until 11 p.m. with no more rain forecast after that.
A community meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Sisters High School as evacuation orders and federal land closures remain in effect around the fire area.