A fast-moving wildfire near Rowena, Oregon, has triggered Level 3 evacuations and the closure of Interstate 84 in both directions between Mosier and The Dalles. The fire, dubbed the Rowena Fire, started Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread, prompting urgent responses from multiple agencies.
Evacuations and Road Closures
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation orders for Rowena River Ferry Road east to River Road. Level 2 (Be Set) evacuations are in place from Seven Mile Hill Road to Mountain View Drive, south to Chenowith Creek Road and Browns Creek Road, east to West 7th Street. Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation orders have been issued for the Port area of The Dalles.
Interstate 84 and Highway 30 are closed from Rowena to milepost 82, forcing drivers to seek alternative routes. The Oregon Department of Transportation urges motorists to check TripCheck.com for up-to-date traffic information.
Response Efforts and Shelters
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Rowena Fire was estimated to be 20 acres in size. The Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and local fire districts are on the scene, with 10 engines, one hand crew, two air tankers, one helicopter, and two water tenders deployed to combat the blaze.
Two temporary shelters have been opened for evacuees. The Gloria Center at 2505 West 7th Street in The Dalles, and The Dalles Middle School at 1100 East 12th Street.
Washington Wildfire Adds to Travel Woes
Adding to the transportation challenges, a second wildfire broke out on the Washington side of the Columbia River near Carson. The Grant Lake Fire has closed State Route 14 between mileposts 47 and 52 in Skamania County, effectively halting east-west travel in the Columbia Gorge. The Grant Lake Fire is estimated to be about 50 acres.
Authorities are asking people to avoid both areas as fire crews work to contain the blazes.