Rowe Creek Complex grows to nearly 150,000 acres as lightning threat triggers Red Flag Warning

The Rowe Creek Complex has expanded to 149,976 acres and is 24 percent contained as of Wednesday morning. A Red Flag Warning is in effect throughout the day due to high temperatures in the 90s, low humidity, and the potential for abundant lightning. Forecasters warn that incoming thunderstorms could produce gusty, erratic winds that may significantly impact fire behavior, especially on the southwestern edge of the Crosswhite Fire.

On the 132,746-acre Crosswhite Fire, which is 16 percent contained, crews secured a perimeter from the northwest corner to northeast of Clarno. Personnel are continuing work to strengthen lines along Highway 218 and Pine Creek Road while building new control lines along Burnt Creek Road. Firefighters are also preparing Old Logging Road as a barrier to keep the blaze north of Highway 26, where structure protection remains a top priority. Officials are scouting areas to the west as the fire moves within 1.5 miles of the Box Springs Fire.

Progress was reported on other fires within the complex:

• Deep Canyon Fire: Now 8,089 acres and 77 percent contained. Crews expect to achieve full containment by the end of today's shift after finishing lines around the perimeter.
• Camel Hump Fire: Currently 6,545 acres with 0 percent containment. The fire is holding along Highway 207, but steep terrain in the Shoofly Creek area continues to challenge ground crews.
• Parrish Fire: Remains at 404 acres and 43 percent contained.

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices remain in effect for residents in Wheeler and Wasco counties. Bureau of Land Management lands along both sides of the John Day River are closed from Service Creek to the Columbia River. Additionally, the National Park Service has closed the Clarno and Painted Hills units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

A Temporary Flight Restriction is active over the entire fire area. Officials emphasize that unauthorized drone flights are illegal and pose a serious risk to personnel, as they will result in the immediate suspension of all aerial firefighting operations.