A wildfire that ignited Wednesday afternoon near Rowena, Oregon, has led to the closure of Interstate 84 between Mosier and The Dalles. The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations from Rowena River Ferry Road to River Road. Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation orders are also in effect for the area from Seven Mile Hill Road to Mountain View Drive, extending south to Chenowith Creek Road and Browns Creek Road, and east to West 7th Street.
Additionally, Level 1 (Be Ready) notices have been given to residents west of Chenowith Loop Road and Chenowith Creek Road. The Rowena Fire is currently estimated to affect around 50 acres. To assist those displaced, a temporary shelter has been established at The Dalles Middle School, located at 1100 East 12th Street, and another emergency shelter at the Gloria Center on 2505 West 7th Street will be open until 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
As the situation further unfolds, officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation announced that I-84 would remain closed in both directions between mileposts 64 and 82, advising drivers to seek alternate routes and to get real-time traffic updates via TripCheck.com.
In a related matter, a second wildfire near Carson, Washington, has also emerged, prompting the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office to issue Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices for State Road 14 between mileposts 47 and 55. This fire, dubbed the Grant Lake Fire, is similarly estimated to be around 50 acres in size and has closed travel in both directions.
Amid these challenging circumstances, officials are urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety by avoiding the areas affected by the wildfires. For individuals looking to prepare for wildfire events, OPB provides a comprehensive wildfire guide featuring vital safety tips and preparedness strategies for navigating this increasingly hazardous wildfire season.
It’s important during this time to remain vigilant and informed as communities work together to manage these challenging situations and ensure the safety of all residents.