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Heartbreak in the Gorge as Human-Caused Rowena Fire Destroys 49 Homes

Tyler James
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rowena fire oregon

Dozens of families are reeling in the Columbia River Gorge this week after the Rowena Fire tore through Wasco County, destroying at least 49 homes and leaving hundreds more in its path. The fire, which broke out Wednesday between Mosier and The Dalles, has scorched more than 3,800 acres and continues to threaten about 600 structures as of Saturday morning.

Authorities now confirm the Rowena Fire was human-caused, with investigators from the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal citing “most likely human activity of some kind” as the origin. The official cause remains under investigation.

Despite gusty winds that reached up to 30 miles per hour Friday night, fire crews worked around the clock to slow the fire’s advance. Dozer lines were carved into the landscape along the western and southwestern edges while mop-up and patrol efforts continued through the night. By Saturday morning, officials reported the fire was 5% contained — a small but hopeful milestone in an already devastating situation.

The fire was first reported just after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and exploded quickly, triggering Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders for over 800 homes. Thousands more remain under Level 1 and Level 2 notices as conditions remain volatile. On Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, deploying six state fire task forces to bolster local response efforts. FEMA also approved federal funding to assist with firefighting costs.

Nearly 500 firefighters from across eight counties and 12 task forces have been deployed to the fire, battling flames day and night. With wind speeds beginning to ease, officials say they’re able to make more accurate water drops by air to tackle the fire’s stubborn hot spots. Still, the terrain remains a challenge, and containment on the west side of the fire is minimal.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication of our crews,” said Kelly Zakrzewski, Chief of Operations with the Oregon State Fire Marshal. “We look forward to seeing them return home safely to rest and prepare for what’s ahead.”

Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill, who has worked in the area for more than 20 years, called this the worst fire he’s ever seen. Retired firefighter John Gass echoed that sentiment, warning that early-season fires are becoming more common and more intense. “It’s an unfortunate reality that we have to live with,” he said.

Thankfully, no deaths have been reported. But the toll on the community is immense. Families who’ve lost everything are now seeking temporary shelter, with the Red Cross opening a facility at The Dalles Middle School for those displaced. Meanwhile, livestock and horses are being accepted at the Wasco County Fairgrounds in Tygh Valley.

The sense of urgency is clear — this is still an active fire. All evacuation orders remain in place, and authorities continue to stress the importance of staying informed and ready to act. At a community meeting Friday night at The Dalles High School auditorium, officials emphasized that while some progress has been made, the threat is far from over.

Rowenna Fire update
Image courtesy of Wasco County Sheriff’s Office

For those looking to help, GoFundMe has launched a centralized donation hub to support residents who’ve lost their homes. The community has already begun rallying, but the road ahead for many families will be long. For now, hope hinges on cooler weather, the fire crews holding the line, and the Gorge getting a much-needed break from the flames.

Written By Tyler James

Tyler James was born in Oregon and founded That Oregon Life in 2013 after finding peace and a renewed sense of purpose in the state’s forests, mountains, and coastline. What started as a personal connection to the outdoors became a way to help others discover new places, support local businesses, and appreciate Oregon’s quirks. He writes about local history, outdoor adventures, good food, and the occasional bit of satire, or whatever catches his attention before the coffee wears off.

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