No Fatalities Confirmed in Rowena Fire Despite Loss of 56 Homes

Fire courtesy the Rowena Fire 2025 Facebook page. This morning, crews from Taskforce 17 discovered and rescued an orphaned deer while working on the fire line. The young deer, suffering from minor burns, was safely turned over to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and is now receiving care at a local animal hospital. Vets expect a full recovery.

The Dalles, Ore., June 15, 2025 — Despite the loss of 56 homes to the Rowena Fire, no fatalities have been confirmed as of Sunday, according to an official assessment by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office or OSFM.

In partnership with Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue and the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management, OSFM crews completed a comprehensive survey of the fire zone over the weekend. The final count includes 56 residential structures and 91 additional buildings—such as sheds, barns, and shops—destroyed in the blaze.

Officials emphasized the absence of confirmed deaths as a testament to both early evacuations and the swift action of emergency personnel.

“While the damage is significant, it is important to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the initial firefighting teams and ongoing response personnel,” OSFM said in a release. “Thanks to their dedication and swift action, many homes were preserved.”

With fire containment increasing, OSFM announced that some resources have begun gradual demobilization. However, several task forces remain in place to patrol the perimeter, monitor hotspots, and respond to emerging hazards to ensure ongoing public safety.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.