Incident Information:
Phone Number: 541-800-1280 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orprd-rowe-creek-complex
Facebook: facebook.com/rowecreekcomplex
Email: 2026.RoweCreekComplex@firenet.gov
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Rowe Creek Complex Total:
Estimated Size: 373,981 acres
Containment: 89%
Cause: Lightning
Resources:
Total Personnel: 1110
Hand Crews: 22
Engines: 60
Water Tenders: 21
Dozers: 10
Aviation:
Helicopters
Type 1 2
Type 2 3
Type 3 2
Evacuations:
Level 1–3 evacuations are in effect for the Rowe Creek Complex Fire. Evacuations are determined by Crook and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices.
Road Closures:
For road closures, visit: https://www.tripcheck.com.
Incident Commanders:
ODF CIMT 2, Incident Commander Matt Howard
Firefighters continue to make steady progress securing control lines
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (August 20, 2026) – Throughout the evening, firefighters remained focused on the Mill Creek area, mopping up to 25 feet interior. Night-shift engine crews patrolled throughout the complex. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) also supported night operations collecting updated mapping and using infrared to help crews locate areas of heat.
Yesterday, firefighters continued progress in the Mill Creek area. Crews worked to reduce remaining heat and strengthen control lines. Helicopters assisted ground personnel by making water drops in areas where additional cooling was needed. Working around the fire, firefighters suppressed hot spots, reinforced control lines, and addressed areas of concern to help prevent further fire spread. Crews also identified and removed hazardous trees that were safety risks to firefighters working.
Today, firefighters will continue to work in the Mill Creek area, to further secure the line. Crews will focus on hot spots and unburned fuel inside the fire’s control lines. Across the incident, firefighters will focus on mop-up and patrol operations. Crews will continue backhauling excess equipment and supplies.
During the morning operational briefing, Incident Commander Mark Gunning with the Australia/New Zealand Incident Management Team emphasized the importance of staying focused and vigilant as crews continue securing the fire.
“This fire perimeter is 601.1 miles, and every yard matters. Every bit of suppression and every recheck you do is critical. You’re not just protecting houses—you’re protecting people’s wellbeing and their livelihoods. Whether it’s natural resources, forests, homes or ranches, it’s all important, and it’s all about the people.”
Safety
Fire suppression operations continue to increase traffic on area roadways. Drivers should remain alert for firefighters and heavy equipment. Stay out of closed areas, follow evacuation orders and avoid activities that could spark a fire. Along U.S. Highway 26, please obey the posted 45 mph speed limit and all traffic controls. Do not stop or park along the roadway and remain alert for heavy equipment and emergency vehicles entering and leaving the fire area.
Weather and Fire Behavior
A warming and drying trend continues, with high temperatures and extremely low relative humidity. These conditions may contribute to increased fire activity.
Evacuations
Evacuation orders are issued by the county sheriff’s offices. For the most up-to-date information, visit:
Crook County: https://www.facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff
Interactive Evacuation map: https://bit.ly/3SFuMTb
Closures
For current road closure information, visit TripCheck: www.tripcheck.com
The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have implemented closures in and around the fire area.
BLM Closures and Restrictions: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
U.S. Forest Service – Ochoco National Forest Closure Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/alerts
Central Oregon Fire Restrictions: https://centraloregonfire.org/fire-restrictions/
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place in the fire area to protect aerial firefighting operations. Unauthorized drone and aircraft operations are prohibited within the restricted airspace. For more information, visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3
Air Quality Information
Air quality updates: https://fire.airnow.gov/
Smoke outlook information: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/d00423d0
Community Smoke Relief Resources:
Free box fan filter kits are available at the Prineville Health Center, 375 NW Beaver St. #101, and the Crook County Health Department, 375 NW Beaver St. #100. Kits are complete and require no assembly. Each location has 50 kits available on a first-come, first-served basis.