Rowe Creek Complex Tops 208,000 Acres as Fires Move Toward Highway 26

Critical fire weather has pushed crews to focus on the southern flank with planned firing operations to protect homes and roads.

Overview

The Rowe Creek Complex was mapped at about 208,759 acres and is roughly 31% contained, with incident reports on Sunday, July 26 showing 1,292 personnel and dozens of crews assigned to the fire.
An incident-specific Red Flag Warning remains in effect for today and officials say the Brewer and Crosswhite fires are expected to merge, a development that could change containment needs and operations if it occurs.
Fire teams are concentrating work on the southern edge near Highway 26, conducting strategic firing operations, building contingency lines south of the highway, and carrying out structure protection around homes.
Level 1–3 evacuation notices continue in Wheeler and Wasco counties, BLM and National Park Service lands along the John Day corridor are closed, and a Temporary Flight Restriction is in place with authorities warning that unauthorized drones will halt aerial firefighting.
With hot, dry winds driving fire behavior, crews are coordinating with ODOT and county sheriffs on traffic and safety and are prioritizing keeping the fire north of Highway 26 while strengthening lines to limit damage to communities and roads.