ROWENA, Ore. – Windy conditions and warm weather persisted on the Rowena Fire on Thursday, challenging firefighters as they continued aggressive tactics from the air and widespread structural and natural resource protection on the ground. Despite the conditions, little fire growth was seen, as resources held the fire in its footprint at an estimated 3,500 acres.
Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 2 in briefed at 2 p.m. with Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Green Team, who arrived Wednesday evening. ODF Team 2, under delegation by ODF and U.S. Forest Service Columbia River George National Scenic Area created a unified command across the incident as of 7 p.m. on Thursday.
Tonight, under unified command, the fire team will focus on structure protection around Rowena on the southwest side of the fire and scout areas to put in direct fire line to create containment around the perimeter. Firefighters will also patrol the Seven Mile Road between the south side of the fire and homes further down.
As the team integrates and continues to assess incident needs, additional resources are being ordered this evening for Friday’s dayshift, including more aircraft, firefighters, and crews, as well as medics and ambulances. Safety of the surrounding communities and firefighters remains a top priority as decisions are being made.
Evacuations remain in effect under the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office’s direction. Level 1, 2 and 3 have been put in place by the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office. You can search for specific addresses here: https://perimetermap.com/wascocounty-or
The Red Cross has opened a shelter at The Dalles Middle School at 1100 East 12th Street. Livestock and horses can be taken to the Wasco County Fairgrounds at 81849 Fairgrounds Road.
A community meeting will be held Friday night at 7 p.m. at The Dalles High School auditorium. The teams and local agencies will provide a current fire update to the public. A recording of the meeting will be later posted on YouTube and Facebook for those who can’t attend in person.
I-84 remains open, however firefighters are continuing to work on hazard trees near the roadway; be aware of crews when driving through the area.
Closures: Due to the fires, Mayer State Park is closed to the public. More information is available here: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=117
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 6500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_2600. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.