Rowena, Ore. – Last night, firefighters continued to strengthen the fire line using sophisticated handheld infrared devices to search for buried heat below the surface. Today, firefighters will mop up identified hot spots and continue to build depth around the fire perimeter utilizing engines and hand crews. Today’s weather will be slightly cooler, but winds will increase with gusts reaching the mid 40 mph range.
With the threat to structures diminishing, the OSFM Green Team is demobilizing this morning ending the unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s IMT2. Oregon Department of Forestry’s work continues as IMT2 took sole command of the fire at 6:00 am this morning. Two OSFM task forces and three overhead personnel will remain for ongoing structural mitigation. We’d like to thank OSFM and the Oregon Fire Service for their immediate response to the Rowena Fire, and the continued partnership with Federal, State, and local agencies. The relationships that are built and maintained keep the unified command model a success when responding to Oregon’s emergency situations.
Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office’s direction. You can search for specific addresses here: https://perimetermap.com/wascocounty-or
The Red Cross shelter remains open 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.
I-84 remains open, however firefighters are continuing to work 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.