Firefighters reach 89 percent containment on Rowe Creek Complex

Firefighters have reached 89 percent containment on the 373,784-acre Rowe Creek Complex as command of the incident prepares to transition to a new management team Sunday morning.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Team remains in unified command and reported Saturday that structural task forces are nearing completion of their objectives. Crews are currently finishing 200 feet of mop-up around all structures, a process that involves methodically searching for and extinguishing small embers and hidden heat sources. Due to the significant progress made on private property, state fire officials are now reviewing resources to determine which firefighters can be demobilized to their home agencies or reassigned to other active wildfires in Oregon.

On Sunday morning, the Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 2 will replace the Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 in unified command. Members of the incoming team were briefed Friday and are shadowing their counterparts today to ensure the operational tempo remains uninterrupted.

Ground crews spent Friday widening critical containment lines connecting Mill Creek and U.S. Highway 26. In areas where the terrain is too steep for heavy equipment, firefighters are digging lines by hand to secure the perimeter. Crews continue to remove flammable fuels along the U.S. Highway 26 corridor through chipping and physical removal. While the highway is now open to traffic, motorists are reminded to follow the posted 45 mph speed limit, avoid stopping in the fire zone, and remain alert for heavy equipment.

The progress allowed Crook County to reduce some evacuation statuses on Friday. The Red Cross shelter at Eastside Church in Prineville is scheduled to close at noon Saturday. Those who still require shelter assistance should contact the Crook County Sheriff's Office at 541-447-6398.

Weather conditions for Saturday include a forecast high of 85 degrees with a 25 percent chance of precipitation. Fire managers warned that while fire behavior has decreased recently, a risk of thunderstorms remains, which could bring dry lightning and erratic winds to the area.

Several road closures remain in effect to ensure public safety, including Forest Service Road 100, Forest Service Road 2610, and Ranger Station Road. A temporary flight restriction is also in place, and the public is reminded that unauthorized drone use is illegal and will ground all firefighting aircraft.

Important Links and Resources:

• Official Fire Updates: Inciweb
• Road Conditions: TripCheck.com
• Air Quality Monitoring: AirNow.gov
• Evacuation Maps: Crook County, Jefferson County, Wasco County, and Wheeler County
• Forest and BLM Closures: Ochoco National Forest Alerts | BLM Oregon/Washington Restrictions