First Major Wildfire of the Year is 44 Percent Contained

The Akawana Fire burning 13 miles north of Sisters in Central Oregon is 44 percent contained due to the efforts of 561 firefighters and others assisted by retardant-dropping aircraft.

There are still some 912 homes threatened by the fire, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.

More than 200 are under a Level 2 Evacuation order, which means residents have to be ready to leave at a moment's notice.

The rest are under a Level 1 Evacuation Order, which states that people should "be ready."

Officials say the fire, which is at 1930 acres, was started by a lightening strike Tuesday afternoon.

It is being fueled by 15-20 mph winds.

On Wednesday, Governor Kate Brown invoked the Conflagration Act, allowing the Office of the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment.

Four tasks forces have been set up as a result and approximately 20 additional pieces of firefighting equipment - including engines and water tenders - have been mobilized.

A new report out this week indicated this may be just the beginning of a tough wildfire season with dry conditions across much of the state.