Firefighters gain ground on 372,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex; U.S. 26 remains closed

Firefighters successfully secured several trouble spots overnight on the massive Rowe Creek Complex, which has now burned 372,971 acres. The lightning-caused blaze is 83 percent contained as 1,660 personnel work to strengthen barriers.

Tuesday crews plan to finish mopping up along U.S. Highway 26, which remains closed between mileposts 29 and 49. Officials will reopen the highway once it is cleared of hazards like fire-weakened trees and unstable roadbeds.

In other areas, crews reported several successes:

• Ochoco Ranger Station Road: Firefighters used bulldozers and hoses to surround small fires that had jumped over containment lines.
• Mill Creek: The fire is slowly backing down hillsides. Aircraft are dropping water and retardant to slow its movement until ground teams can safely reach it.
• Cherry Creek and Tompkins Pass: Containment lines held as the fire reached the roads. Crews are now using drones with heat-sensing cameras to find and put out remaining hot spots.

Firefighters expect another critical day of high activity due to 84-degree temperatures and humidity as low as 18 percent. Northwest winds could gust up to 18 mph, potentially causing the fire to spread in unexpected directions.

Smoke remains a significant health hazard across the region. Prineville experienced hazardous air quality this morning, and heavy smoke continues to impact Paulina, Mitchell, and Spray. Check fire.airnow.gov for real-time conditions.

A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. at Barnes Butte Elementary School (1875 NE Ironhorse Drive, Prineville). The meeting will also be livestreamed on the official Facebook page.

Important Links and Resources

• Evacuation Maps: Check your status for Crook, Jefferson, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.
• Road Conditions: Visit TripCheck.com for the latest on highway closures.
• Shelter: A Red Cross shelter is open at the East Side Church (3174 NE Third Street, Prineville).
• Drones: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect; unauthorized drones are illegal and will ground all firefighting aircraft.