The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office reported on Sunday that 56 homes and 91 other structures, including sheds, barns, and shops, had been destroyed in Wasco County by the Rowena wildfire.
As of Sunday morning, the fire has not claimed any lives, despite the significant destruction of property.
“While the damage is significant, it is important to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the initial firefighting teams and ongoing response personnel. Thanks to their dedication and swift action, many homes were preserved,” WCSO stated.
For those affected by the Rowena Fire, WCSO announced the establishment of a Multi-Agency Resource Centre, a hub where agencies and organisations offer resources and assistance linked to disasters.
The Dalles Veteran Services Office, located at 401 E. 3rd St. Ste. 100, will host the centre on Monday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. More MARC activities are planned in the near future, according to WCSO:
Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 evacuation orders are still in force, according to WCSO. Additionally, Mayer State Park is still off-limits to visitors.
Firefighters are still working to contain the fire and safeguard the property that has been damaged by it, according to authorities. Patrolling the perimeter and keeping an eye out for hotspots and other potential dangers is the attention of several task forces.
Thanks to more precise mapping, the fire was 24% contained as of Sunday night and covered 3,636 acres, which is marginally less than what was earlier reported.
According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, the fire was determined to be caused by humans, however it is unclear whether this was done on purpose.
No one has died as a result of the fire as of Friday. Due to dry vegetation and strong winds, the fire quickly spread after it began on Wednesday afternoon.
The Dalles Middle School, located at 1100 East 12th Street, now includes a Red Cross shelter. Pets are welcome, and volunteers are on hand to provide meals, comfort kits, and a safe place to stay.
Livestock, horses, and trailer users are welcome at the Wasco County Fairgrounds, which is situated at 81849 Fairgrounds Road in Tygh Valley.
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On Wednesday, Governor Tina Kotek activated the Emergency Conflagration Act, enabling the state fire marshal to gather resources.
FEMA approved funding to combat the fire on Thursday afternoon. According to the Salvation Army, they are prepared to assist firefighters and/or wildfire evacuees if needed.
For those who have not been in contact with loved ones, a message line has been established.
Leave a message at 541-506-2724 that includes your name, the name or names of the person or individuals you are trying to find, and your phone number so they may get in touch with you.
Tishy Stein, who is prepared to evacuate if necessary, said, “It’s like a false sense of security because we made it through these two days so you know and then I think well no one else is freaking out so we shouldn’t either.”
