News Summary
The Rowena Fire in Hood River, Oregon has expanded to 3,500 acres and remains 0% contained, prompting evacuation orders for hundreds of homes. Governor Tina Kotek has activated the Emergency Conflagration Act to mobilize firefighting resources. Evacuations are classified into Level 3 and Level 2 warnings, while Interstate 84 is closed for public safety. The fire, linked to extreme heat and dryness, is under investigation for its cause, which may involve a Union Pacific train’s sparks.
Hood River, Oregon – A large wildfire known as the Rowena Fire is currently burning in the Columbia River Gorge area, having expanded to 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares) and remains 0% contained. Evacuation orders have been issued for hundreds of homes in the surrounding area, with the fire destroying approximately 20 homes and threatening nearly 2,200 structures.
In response to the escalating situation, Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act. This action enables the mobilization of additional fire resources to assist with containment efforts. Emergency responders engaged in combatting the fire include the state’s fire marshal agency and an incident management team, working collectively to address the growing crisis.
Evacuation measures have been categorized into two levels: Level 3 (“GO NOW”) and Level 2 (“Set”) warnings are currently in effect, primarily along Highway 30 and Interstate 84. The local middle school in The Dalles has been designated as a temporary shelter for evacuees, while county fairgrounds have been allocated for livestock and horses requiring shelter from the flames.
Notably, the Oregon Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 84 between Hood River and The Dalles to ensure public safety, causing increased traffic on alternate routes. This decision reflects the seriousness of the fire and its impact on the regional transportation network.
The Rowena Fire ignited on June 11 and has been exacerbated by record-breaking heat and extremely dry conditions prevalent in the area. As officials assess firefighting methods, various techniques are being employed, including the use of aircraft that drop fire retardant to help manage the fire front.
This event comes as the U.S. West prepares for a potentially severe wildfire season, influenced by this region’s warm temperatures and a relatively dry winter. Additionally, multiple smaller fires in Washington along Highway 14 have been reported, which further complicate local travel and can strain available firefighting resources.
The cause of the Rowena Fire is currently under investigation by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Eyewitness accounts suggest that sparks from a Union Pacific train may have ignited the blaze, leading some local residents to file a lawsuit alleging property damage against the company. The plaintiffs accuse Union Pacific of negligence, noting the heightened fire risk due to existing weather conditions at the time of the fire’s ignition.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor the fire’s growth with updates expected as firefighting efforts progress. Community members are advised to stay informed and adhere to all evacuation orders and safety guidelines as the Rowena Fire continues to present a serious threat in the Columbia River Gorge.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Columbia Gorge News: Rowena Fire Shuts Down Interstate
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- KTVZ: Man Arrested After Ember Sparks Fire
- Google Search: Rowena Fire
- My Mother Lode: Update on Fire in Columbia
- Google Scholar: Oregon wildfires
- ScienceDirect: Fire Behavior Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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