Rowe Creek Complex Fire Nears Full Containment in Central Oregon Amid Management Transition
The Rowe Creek Complex fire, located 10 miles south of Fossil, Oregon, has reached 373,784 acres and is now 89% contained. Despite the high containment, 59 miles of fire lines remain uncontrolled. The fire, caused by lightning, is currently being managed by 1,318 personnel. A significant operational change is underway as the Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 2 (ODFCIMT2) is transitioning to take unified command from Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 (SWCIMT2). Crews are actively working to widen lines connecting Mill Creek and US 26, while also strengthening contingency lines as backup. Fuel removal operations continue along US 26, and structural protection teams are patrolling the Mill Creek area and conducting gridding searches on properties along Ranger Station Road. Crook County has reduced some evacuation statuses, leading to the closure of the Red Cross shelter in Prineville. 
