Oregon Department of Forestry
Incident Management Team 1
John Buckman, Incident Commander
Rowena Fire
Morning Information Update
August 10, 2014
Summary
Steady progress has been made to extinguish remaining hotspots and smokes in the Adeline Way, Simonelli Road, and Foley Lakes communities within 200-300 of homes and structures. Crews also continue with aggressive mop-up to secure the fireline.
A small section of Highway 30 will remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters, as work is completed to fall remaining snags from steep slopes above the road. Rolling debris also remains a hazard in the area.
Structural protection
Structure protection is once again being provided by Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue through the 911 system.
Wildland resources remain on the fire for mop-up.
Evacuations / Road Closures
Evacuation levels remain at a Level I (Get Ready) for all residents living on Highway 30 West. Residents that choose to return home are again reminded to be cautious of ongoing firefighting efforts.
Roadblocks on a small portion of Highway 30 West remain in place with no through traffic on Highway 30 between the addresses of 4877 and 5220.
Residents living to the east of 4877 Highway 30, the intersection with Adeline Way, should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 82. This includes Tooley Terrace, Adeline Way, and Simonellli Road.
Residents living to the west of 5220 Highway 30 should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 76.
Safety tips and information for residents who are returning to their homes can be found here on the Oregon Fire Marshal’s website:http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.pdf
Fire strategy for today
An infra-red flight is being conducted this morning with a helicopter to help with detection of remaining fire hot spots. Firefighters will continue to secure fireline and areas around homes and structures with a minimum 300 foot objective.
Crews will remove unnecessary hose lays and equipment. They will also remove berms and construct waterbars along bulldozer-constructed lines.
Warnings
Increased traffic can still be expected in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Rowena Fire may be an attraction for Portland metro area visitors who have followed its progress in the news for the past few days. Law enforcement reminds travelers on I-84 not to stop on the Interstate to view the fire or take pictures.
The public is urged to be mindful of personal safety around ongoing firefighting operations. Snag falling, aerial work with helicopters, and fire related traffic increase hazards in the area.
Size: 3,673 acres
Location: The Dalles, OR
Containment: 65%
Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel: 610
Estimated ODF/OSFM Cost: $3,205,216
Evacuations and Road Closures: Wasco County Sheriff Evacuation Hotline: 541-506-2792
Closures/Restrictions: Hwy 30 between The Dalles Country Club and Rowena
For More Information: Information phones are staffed 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
971-701-4186
971-701-4212