After months of active suppression and weeks of intensive repair work, the Rowe Creek Complex in central Oregon has officially transitioned back to local land management agencies, marking a major milestone in one of the state's largest fire events of the 2026 season.

Transition Complete

At 7:00 a.m. on Friday, September 22, management of the Rowe Creek Complex — including associated fires Shingle, Coyote, Henry, and Crosswhite — transferred from the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 (ODF CIMT 1) to a coalition of local agencies:

  • BLM Prineville District
  • Ochoco National Forest
  • ODF Central Oregon District
  • U.S. Wildland Fire Service

These agencies will complete remaining repair activities and coordinate post-fire rehabilitation of the affected areas, which span approximately 373,927 acres across Wheeler, Crook, and surrounding counties. The complex reached 92% containment before the transition.

Repair Work Wrapping Up

Over the final weeks of the incident, ODF CIMT 1 directed suppression repair activities across nearly 500,000 acres of burned landscape encompassing the Rowe Creek Complex and associated fires. Work crews focused on:

  • Repairing fences damaged during suppression operations
  • Smoothing dirt berms and installing drainage structures for erosion control
  • Restoring areas near water crossings to reduce sediment delivery to streams
  • Removing hazard trees near roadways

The Forward Operating Base in Paulina shut down Thursday after the last remaining crews departed the line. Work on the Shingle and Henry fires concluded this week, with those crews released from the incidents.

Recovery Resource Event This Saturday

Crook County, in partnership with ODF, BLM, and other state and federal agencies, will host a Wildfire Recovery Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) event this weekend to connect fire-affected residents with assistance.

When: Saturday, September 26, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Crook County High School Gymnasium, Prineville, Oregon

The event will provide information, resources, and direct assistance to Crook County residents impacted by recent wildfires. Residents are encouraged to attend even if unsure whether they qualify for assistance.

Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect for federal lands across central Oregon, prohibiting campfires and warming fires outside of designated developed campgrounds. Current fire restriction information is available at centraloregonfire.org.