2 days ago
Rowena Fire continues burning overnight, I-84 reopens
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Rowena Fire, between Mosier and The Dalles in Wasco County, continued burning strongly overnight, although Interstate 84 has been reopened in both directions.
Burning 2,500 acres and currently 0% contained, the fire was first reported just after 1:30 Wednesday, leading to evacuations in the surrounding area.
Level 3 'Go Now' evacuations: Rowena Ferry Road east to River Road. Seven Mile Hill Road to Mountain View Drive; south to Chenowith Creek and Browns Creek roads, east to West Seventh Street.
Level 2 'Be Set' evacuations: Evacuation Snipes Street, West to Chenoweth Loop Road, Chenowith Creek Road, to Browns Creek Road.
Level 1 'Be Ready' evacuations: Snipes St, east to River Rd, south to Bargeway Rd., west to I-84; From the intersection of Seven Mile Hill Rd, east to Browns Creek Rd, East to Snipes St. to Cherry Heights Rd, south to Browns Creek Rd, Port area of The Dalles.
The fire is threatening hundreds of homes in the area, and authorities said that 20 residences have already been destroyed.
The fire even led Oregon Governor Tina Kotek to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act, calling in six state fire teams to back up local crews.
'It's an unfortunate reality that we have to live with, and they seem to be getting more and more frequent, a little bit earlier and quite often more intense,' said John Gass, a retired firefighter.
The Red Cross has opened a shelter at The Dalles Middle School and the Wasco County Fairgrounds in Tygh Valley is allowing in livestock and horses affected by the fire.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
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