The Rowe Creek Complex, burning approximately 10 miles south of Fossil in Wheeler and Wasco counties, has grown to 295,132 acres and stands at 39 percent containment as of July 30, 2026. The complex — managed by the BLM Prineville District — is one of the largest active wildfires in Oregon and the nation, and has burned through a vast expanse of central Oregon's grass, juniper, and timber country since it started July 15, 2026.

Fire Overview

The Rowe Creek Complex ignited during a lightning storm on July 15 and grew explosively in dry grass and juniper fuels across the remote Wheeler County landscape. With nearly 295,000 acres burned, the complex ranks among the largest wildfires in Oregon history. Despite reaching 39 percent containment — a figure that reflects significant suppression work — large portions of the fire perimeter remain uncontrolled.

Resources assigned to the complex include:

  • 31 hand crews
  • 14 dozers
  • 63 engines
  • 915 total personnel
  • Multiple aerial resources

Evacuations and Community Impact

Wheeler and Wasco county sheriffs have issued Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices for communities near the active fire perimeter. Level 3 "Go Now" orders require immediate departure from affected zones. Residents can check current evacuation boundaries using the Genasys emergency management system online or through county sheriff social media channels.

The communities of Fossil, Mitchell, and surrounding rural areas have been significantly impacted by smoke, road closures, and the threat of direct fire approach. Highway closures have periodically disrupted travel on key central Oregon routes, affecting ranchers, residents, and commercial traffic.

Fire Behavior and Outlook

The Rowe Creek Complex has been burning in grass, juniper, and mixed timber fuels across challenging terrain. Fire managers report that conditions remain volatile, particularly during afternoon hours when temperatures peak and relative humidity drops to its lowest levels. Minimum RH in the region is forecast at 10 to 20 percent through at least early August, with very little rainfall expected.

A slight chance of dry thunderstorms in the Blue Mountains region could threaten new ignitions, but significant precipitation relief is not forecast for the near term. Crews are working to improve containment lines along the eastern and northern flanks of the complex where access is most practical.

Contact and Information

For the most current updates on the Rowe Creek Complex:

  • Email: 2026.rowecreekcomplex@firenet.gov
  • Phone: 541-800-1280 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
  • InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orprd-rowe-creek-complex
  • Facebook: facebook.com/rowecreekcomplex