Structural protection teams are entering their final work period on the 373,785-acre Rowe Creek Complex Monday as firefighters reach 89 percent containment and shift focus to deep interior mop-up operations.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal reported that objectives around homes have been met, allowing for the demobilization of structural personnel and equipment. Over the course of the response, 486 structural firefighters from 23 Oregon counties provided protection, with additional assistance from Washington and the California Office of Emergency Services.

Firefighters made steady progress overnight, using thermal imaging cameras and drones to locate and extinguish residual heat deeper into the fire's interior. Today, crews are focused on securing control lines along the southeastern and southwestern flanks, with priority efforts in the Mill Creek, Marks Creek, Duncan Creek, and Ranger Station Road areas.

While fire conditions have stabilized enough to lower evacuation levels in some areas, fire managers warned that a warming and drying trend may increase visible smoke columns in the coming days. Pockets of unburned vegetation are expected to continue burning within the fire perimeter, specifically on the southeastern corner between U.S. Highway 26 and Ranger Station Road.

Drivers are urged to use caution on area roadways as fire suppression traffic remains high. A 45 mph speed limit is in effect on U.S. Highway 26, and drivers are asked not to stop or park along the roadway as heavy equipment and emergency vehicles continue to enter and leave the fire zone.

Evacuation orders remain under the authority of local sheriff’s offices, and residents can monitor current levels through the Crook County Sheriff’s Facebook page or the interactive evacuation map.

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A temporary flight restriction remains in place to protect aerial firefighting operations. Unauthorized drone use is prohibited and will force the immediate grounding of all firefighting aircraft. For more information, the public can call the fire information line at 541-800-1280.

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