Contacts: Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry (541-263-0661)
[Rowena, Ore.] Overnight firefighters on the Rowena Fire were able to complete fireline around the perimeter and begin mop-up on the interior of the fire. This morning there is limited visible smoke or flames. Firefighters will continue mop-up work today, with the plan to have 100% mop-up across the fire using a gridding process to locate any heat inside the perimeter. Mop-up in some of the more rugged portions of the fire did not occur overnight due to safety concerns. These areas will be focused on today. The fire has been mapped at fourteen acres and has 50% containment. Windy conditions are expected to continue today with moderate temperatures and good relative humidity.
Today Oregon Department of Forestry is being assisted by resources from Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue. Resources include a tender, five wildland engines, one four-person hand crew, a fifteen person Type 2 initial attack crew, and overhead personnel. The public should be aware of firefighting personnel using Mayer State Park to fill fire engines and for other support of firefighters. Please be cautious in the area.
The fire was initially reported Sunday afternoon burning in grass, scrub oak and ponderosa pine near Rowena in Wasco County. Two Fireboss Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) from Washington Department of Natural Resources and a federal Type 1 helicopter were critical in slowing the spread of the fire in difficult terrain, allowing firefighters on the ground to access the fire and build fireline.
Wasco County Sheriff’s Office cancelled the Level 1 evacuation notice for residences in the area Monday morning.
The fire is human caused and under investigation.