Firefighters prioritize structure protection as Rowe Creek Complex reaches 142,936 acres

Firefighters and structural task forces are concentrating efforts on the southern edge of the Rowe Creek Complextoday to protect homes and infrastructure. The lightning-caused complex, which began July 15, has grown to 142,936 acres and remains at 0 percent containment.

The largest incident in the complex, the Crosswhite Fire, now spans 128,020 acres. On Sunday, winds from the north pushed the fire south and southeast, sending two fingers of flame toward Highway 26. Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces and wildland crews worked through the night to defend threatened structures and will continue active protection along the highway today. Personnel are also assisting with burnout operations to slow the fire's progress while scouting for the safest routes to engage the fire's northeastern side.

Progress was also reported on other fires within the complex:

• Camel Hump Fire: Now 6,391 acres, crews are reinforcing lines along Highway 207 after successful burnout operations near Shoofly Creek. Structural crews also conducted mop-up work around the Richmond area to secure homes.
• Deep Canyon Fire: At 8,089 acres, this fire showed limited movement yesterday, allowing crews to focus on patrol and mop-up of remaining heat.
• Parrish Fire: This 424-acre fire saw moderated behavior, enabling firefighters to improve control lines and continue mop-up operations.

There are 551 total personnel assigned to the complex, supported by 40 engines, six dozers, and eight aircraft. While cloud cover is expected to bring slightly cooler temperatures and light winds today, humidity remains low, which could lead to periods of active burning in some areas.

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices remain in effect for portions of Wheeler and Wasco counties. Several public land closures are in place, including all Bureau of Land Management lands along the John Day River 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 community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at the Wheeler High School Gymnasium in Fossil. Officials also remind the public that a Temporary Flight Restriction is in place; unauthorized drone flights are illegal and will ground all firefighting aircraft.