Rowe Creek Complex Wildfire Moves Into Mop-Up as Containment Reaches 92%

Overview

• Over the past several days crews have shifted from large-scale suppression to focused mop-up, patrol and suppression-repair in the Mill Creek and Duncan Creek areas as active flame activity has dropped.
• Thermal imaging cameras and three Unmanned Aircraft Systems using infrared mapping are actively locating residual heat so crews can extinguish smoldering spots and strengthen control lines.
• Containment has increased to 92%, officials report, and command will transition from the Oregon Department of Forestry team to California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 with an in-briefing ahead of a Thursday 6 p.m. handover.
• Public safety measures remain in place: the Crook County Sheriff’s Office downgraded remaining level 3 evacuations to level 2, BLM and U.S. Forest Service closures continue, and an FAA Temporary Flight Restriction prohibits unauthorized aircraft and drones.
• Chipping and heavy-equipment suppression-repair work is under way along Oregon Route 207 and other main roads, creating traffic hazards and localized smoke concerns as warmer, drier conditions keep fire danger elevated.