Rowena Fire continues to burn, at 3,500+ acres

THE DALLES – The Rowena Fire continues to burn in Wasco County, causing Interstate 84 to be closed for several hours Wednesday and prompting numerous evacuations.

A morning briefing from the Northwest Interagency Fire Center that was released at 9:27 a.m Thursday lists the cause of the fire as human. The Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry, Central Oregon District say the origin of the fire is still under investigation.

Here’s the latest update from the Central Oregon Fire Management Service, Oregon State Fire Marshal, U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry at 11:00 a.m. Thursday:

The Rowena Fire continues to burn aggressively in the Columbia River Gorge, having already consumed an estimated 3,500+ acres. Fueled by seasonably record-low fuel moistures and gusty winds, the fire poses a serious and ongoing threat to lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

The fire began yesterday in the Rowena area, quickly climbing steep terrain and pushing east toward The Dalles. Under the influence of 30 mph winds, the fire spotted and began running before initial attack crews were fully on scene. Oregon Department of Forestry provided air assets in partnership with Oregon State Fire Marshal, being utilized quickly after initial attack was underway.

OSFM Green Incident Management Team (IMT), the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (USFS), and Central Oregon IMT Type 3 are working under Unified Command with ODF CIMT Team 2 unifying tonight at 7:00PM.

Evacuation zones were expanded early this morning to the west of the fire, reflecting the continued threat of potential wind shifts.

Initial response efforts were led by Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue, U.S. Forest Service, and Oregon Department of Forestry, with Forest Service crews arriving almost immediately. Regional mutual aid agreements enabled a swift, coordinated response – including resources from neighboring Washington State.

Eight OSFM task forces have been deployed from: Lane, Linn, Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion, Washington, Polk, and Yamhill Counties.

– Five task forces arrived last night, immediately launching structure protection operations.

– Three additional task forces arrived this morning and are now being assigned.

Air assets were utilized during initial attack (IA) and will continue to be a part of operations to support suppression efforts today.

Operational Priorities

– Operations were conducted overnight around Rowena structures to create defensible space and tie into containment lines.

– Dozer line construction is ongoing to help anchor the fire’s flanks.

– Hazard trees along I-84 were removed last night to support the safe reopening of the highway.

I-84 is open, but drivers must reduce speed. Fire crews and heavy equipment are still working near the roadway. Hazard trees, poor visibility, and sudden wind shifts continue to create unsafe conditions. Please drive with extreme caution.

Photo courtesy of Rowena Fire 2025 Facebook page.

---

• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 
• 

---

Elkhorn Media Group