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.

UPDATE:
The Rowena Fire continues to burn in Oregon, having already destroyed at least 49 homes. The blaze has scorched over 3,800 acres but finally some progress has been made.
5% containment has been established as of this morning.#ORwx #RowenaFire pic.twitter.com/SR1ChIAI2t

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) June 14, 2025

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.

Good news. Drove I-84 through Rowena on our way to Pine Hollow. Although you could see destroyed homes up on US 30, fire actually cleared out underbrush, but didn't crown or take out conifers. Of course, could be much worse further upslope, but little smoke or issues today. pic.twitter.com/wywjP6FvyF

— Fa'alavelave Motors (@Taputimu7) June 14, 2025

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.

ROWENA FIRE UPDATE🔥🔥

49 homes destroyed, according to @WascoCoSheriff. They expect this number to grow.

The fire has burned 3,800+ acres and is at 0% containment. No deaths have been reported.

There are 453 fire personnel and 14 helicopters fighting the fire. @fox12oregon pic.twitter.com/Xxx0iaNLWw

— Mckenzie Richmond (@kenziestuvland) June 13, 2025

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.

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.