FEMA approves federal funding for Fox, Rowe Creek Complex wildfires
By Griffin Beach on Monday, August 3rd, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BOTHELL, Washington – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized federal funding to help with firefighting costs for the Fox Fire in Baker County and the Rowe Creek Complex fires in Crook and Jefferson counties.
The Fox Fire threatened the city of Huntington last week leading to Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations. Although the city was downgraded to Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation levels, a large area to the north remains under Level 3.
Meanwhile, the Rowe Creek Complex fires have threatened homes near Prineville and Grizzly, as well as electrical and communication infrastructure, recreational facilities and natural resources. The fires have also forced intermittent closures on U.S. Highway 26.
The federal grant covers up to 75% of a state’s eligible firefighting costs for fires that threaten to become major disasters. Eligible expenses include field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies, and mobilization and demobilization activities directly attributed to fighting the blaze.
The grants do not provide direct assistance to individual home or business owners, nor do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Gila Hotshots extinguishing heat along Interstate 84 on July 27, courtesy of Northwest Area Incident Management Team.
