Rowena Fire Zero Percent Contained, Mass Evacuations Continue

The Rowena Fire in Wasco County, Oregon, ignited Wednesday afternoon and has burned between 2,500 and 3,500 acres, destroying about 20 homes, with no reported injuries or deaths. The blaze remains zero percent contained, prompting the evacuation of over 700 homes under Level 3 'Go Now' orders and more than 1,100 homes under Level 2 'Be Set' warnings. Interstate 84 has reopened after a temporary closure, while Highway 30 remains closed due to ongoing threats. Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, mobilizing state fire teams to support local responders. Emergency shelters have been established at The Dalles Middle School for displaced residents and at the Wasco County Fairgrounds for livestock. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and additional fires have been reported in the Columbia River Gorge area.