The Rowe Creek Complex, a sprawling lightning-caused fire complex in north-central Oregon, has grown to 313,439 acres as of August 2, 2026, making it one of the largest active wildfires in the United States. The complex is now 55% contained, with 2,332 personnel actively working to secure the perimeter.
Fire Overview
The Rowe Creek Complex ignited on July 15, 2026, approximately 10 miles south of Fossil, Oregon, in Wheeler County. What began as several lightning-sparked fires in tall grass, timber, and brush merged over several days into a massive complex that has now scorched terrain across Crook, Jefferson, Wheeler, and Grant counties.
The complex includes the Crosswhite East fire (181,443 acres), Camel Hump (6,614 acres), Parrish (404 acres), and Deep Canyon (8,089 acres) fires, all of which have physically merged. The Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 is leading suppression efforts.
Firefighting Progress
Crews have made meaningful progress in recent days, pushing containment from 42% on July 30 to 55–57% by the weekend. A decrease in structure threats allowed the Oregon State Fire Marshal Green Team to release resources to assist other fires around the state.
Firefighting resources assigned to the complex as of the most recent update include 77 crews, 19 dozers, 128 engines, 8 skidgines, and aerial resources. Personnel are focused on securing fireline, building depth along the perimeter, and patrolling for residual heat near structures.
Federal Funding Authorized
FEMA Region 10 authorized federal funding on July 31, 2026, to assist with firefighting efforts for the Rowe Creek Complex West Zone, which burns in Crook and Jefferson counties. The authorization unlocks additional federal resources and cost-sharing to support state and local efforts.
Conditions Ahead
Fire managers are watching weather closely as a dry cold front moves through the region. While crews have built significant containment lines, gusty winds and critically low relative humidity — forecast to drop to 15-20% in some areas — could challenge those lines and trigger renewed fire activity, especially on the western and southern flanks of the complex.
Evacuation levels in affected communities have been reduced as containment has improved, but residents should remain alert and ready to move quickly if conditions change. Check InciWeb and the Central Oregon Fire Information website for the latest updates on the Rowe Creek Complex.