Officials offer update on Rowena Fire progress, damage, and evacuations
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., June 14, 2025 — Emergency officials briefed residents Thursday night on the latest firefighting efforts, evacuation orders, and damage assessments related to the fast-moving Rowena Fire, which has scorched thousands of acres along the Columbia River Gorge.
The public meeting, attended by residents and local officials, featured presentations from state and local fire leaders, Wasco County Sheriff Lane McGill, and Incident Management Team representatives.
Firefighting operations and progress
Adam Sinkey, operations section chief trainee for Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2, reported that fire crews have made steady progress constructing fire lines around the fire's perimeter. Heavy equipment has been used to create dozer lines, particularly in the north and western flanks, while hand crews are digging direct fire lines in difficult terrain.
Crews continue mop-up work around homes and along Highway 30, with particular focus near the Discovery Center and west The Dalles. Mop-up efforts aim to eliminate remaining heat within 50 feet of structures.
Kelly Zekarski, operations section chief with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, explained that eight task forces from across Oregon—representing over 30 agencies—have worked to triage and protect structures. Using a digital program called Survey123, teams prioritized buildings most at risk and ensured homes that survived the initial fire were thoroughly mopped up.
“All structures within the fire footprint have been cleared of heat within 20 feet,” Zekarski said, “and our goal is to reach 50 feet before we leave.”
Initial response and mutual aid
Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue Chief David Jensen praised the swift and coordinated response, noting that crews fought the fire for nearly 20 straight hours after the initial dispatch at 1:24 p.m. on June 11. Within 90 minutes, 112 firefighters—both wildland and structural—were on scene, bolstered by aid from Hood River, Klickitat, Sherman, and Clackamas counties.
“We saw gusts up to 50 mph,” Jensen said. “The fire made a six-mile run overnight, impacting many homes.”
Jensen said state support through Oregon’s conflagration act mobilization was nearly immediate, allowing local firefighters to refocus on other emergencies. He added that three firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation, but all have since returned to duty.
Evacuations and public safety
Wasco County Sheriff Lane McGill detailed the evacuation strategy, noting the Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set), and Level 3 (Go Now) system currently covers approximately 3,800 residents. As of Thursday night, 590 homes remain under Level 3 evacuation, 1,561 are under Level 2, and 1,687 are under Level 1.
McGill emphasized the speed of the fire’s spread and the need for urgent evacuations in Rowena and surrounding areas. “This was an extremely fast-moving fire,” he said. “We had structures burning within minutes.”
Officials are holding evacuation levels for 24 hours after any downgrade to ensure containment holds and residents can safely return. Roadblocks remain at Exit 76 and the Golf Course Driveway, with law enforcement offering escorts to residents needing to retrieve emergency items.
McGill also addressed rumors of fatalities. “There are no deaths associated with this fire,” he said, clarifying that reports of fatalities circulating online are false.
Looking ahead
Emergency management officials encouraged residents to use caution as reentry begins. They also warned about the potential for looting and urged property owners to report any suspicious activity.
“This fire was devastating,” Chief Jensen said. “But the coordination we’ve seen—local, state, and community-wide—has been extraordinary. We are in this together, and recovery starts now.”
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