State of Oregon
07/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/18/2026 10:41
Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for the Rowe Creek Complex
Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for the Rowe Creek Complex
Salem, OR - On July 17, 2026, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Rowe Creek Complex in Wheeler County. The Wheeler County Fire Defense Board Chief requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection, and the State Fire Marshal concurred with that request.
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor's declaration allows the State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene. The conflagration was declared only for the Rowe Creek Complex threatening structures in Wheeler County.
A link to Executive Order 26-16 can be found here.
For evacuation updates, click here or visit the Wheeler County Emergency Management page. To sign up for alerts in your area, click here. Get current information about this fire here.
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State of Oregon published this content on July 18, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 18, 2026 at 16:41 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]