The Rowena Fire, estimated 50 acres, triggers a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation order on Rowena Ferry Road, east to River Road, in Rowena, Ore., on June 11, 2025.
Courtesy of the Wasco County Sheriff's Office
Update — June 12, 2025: As of Thursday morning, the Rowena Fire had grown to an estimated 2,500 acres. More than 8,000 people in the area are under Level 1, 2 or 3 evacuation orders. And Interstate 84 has reopened through the area.
Original story below:
A wildfire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in Wasco County has grown to about 500 acres and is now threatening thousands of homes near Rowena, Oregon.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 – “Go Now!” evacuation orders from Rowena Ferry Road, east to River Road.
This includes areas along Seven Mile Hill Road to Mountain View Drive, south to Chenoweth Creek Road and Browns Creek Road.
Level 2 (Be Set) evacuations are also in place for areas west to Chenoweth Loop Road and Chenoweth Creek Road to Browns Creek Road.
With thousands of homes being threatened, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act Wednesday, allowing the state fire marshal to deploy additional resources to help crews battling the fire.
“This early season conflagration should come as a reminder to Oregonians to be ready for wildfire,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in a press release. “The predictions for this summer are extremely concerning. I am asking everyone to take that extra minute to mindful of the conditions and remember it takes a single spark to ignite a disaster.”
Interstate 84 between Mosier and The Dalles remained closed Wednesday night as crews continue battling the wildfire.
Drivers were urged to find alternate routes if possible and to visit TripCheck.com for up-to-date traffic info.
Level 3 GO NOW! Evacuation for Rowena River Ferry Rd....
Posted by Wasco County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The American Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter at The Dalles Middle School located at 1100 East 12th Street. The Gloria Center, located on 2505 West 7th Street, also opened its doors as a temporary shelter until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The Wasco County Fairgrounds is open for livestock and horses.
A second wildfire on the other side of the Columbia River also broke out Wednesday near Carson, Washington.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices for State Road 14 between mileposts 47 and 55.
The Grant Lake Fire, which is estimated to be about 50 acres, has shut down travel in both directions.
Officials are asking people to avoid the area.
Stay safe and informed during wildfire season with OPB’s wildfire guide at opb.org/wildfires. This resource offers essential safety tips and preparedness guidance to help you navigate fire and smoke events. This resource was created as part of our commitment to serving the public as wildfire seasons become longer and more dangerous.
Resources:
Related: How to prepare for wildfire smoke
Related: Fire season glossary
