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Mop up operations, hazard tree removal become main focus on Rowena Fire, some evacuations downgraded

Rowena, Ore. – Firefighters assigned to the Rowena Fire are continuing to make steady progress across the incident. With Saturday’s dayshift complete, the focus of the fire has largely turned to completing control lines around the fire perimeter, mop-up operations and continued hazard tree removal. 

On the southwest portion of the fire, resources were able to connect existing lines, securing the perimeter in those areas and completing that section. Firefighters working in the same area tonight will continue to strengthen this length of fire line in preparation for potential burn operations tomorrow to remove unburned fuel between the fires edge and the fire line. This will ultimately strengthen the line and provide a better control feature. 

Across the rest of the incident, mop-up continues, especially around homes and structures along I-84 and Highway 30. In most of these areas, mop-up has been completed 100 feet out from the structures. 

Tomorrow, an additional four hand crews are arriving to the incident to assist in mop-up efforts across the fire. Meanwhile, structural resources continue to slowly demobilize, as the threat to homes and communities continues to diminish. 

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office downgraded the area of The Dalles Country Club from a Level 3 to a Level 2 – Be Set Evacuation level, allowing them reopening for business today, June 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Additionally, Basalt St, Simonelli Rd., Morris Ln, Adeline Way, and Hwy 30 west to Tooley Lake was downgraded to a Level 2 – Be Set. 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. 

Firefighters continue to work along I-84, which is open to traffic. When traveling through the area, please be aware of resources working near the road.  

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.